UASU Targets Machogu Over Tribalism in Public University Council Appointments
The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) has criticized Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu’s recent appointments to universities.
Onesmus Mutio, Uasu National Organising Secretary, accused Machogu of using tribalism to select members of the public university council.
He argued that the CS’s actions must be condemned because they risk entrenching tribalism in higher education institutions.
Mutio, the Secretary General of Multi-Media University (MMU), has called for immediate action to rid campuses of tribalism.
He was reacting to Dr. Angelica Obaga’s appointment to the Multimedia University Council on April 5.
Machogu appointed Lawrence Okelo and Vincent Moseti to the University Commission.
The CS appointed Edna Nyaboke, Tabitha Nyandiek, and Peter Githirwa to the Kabianga University Council, as well as John Ondari and Fancy Kemei to the Southern Eastern Kenya University Council.
At Kirinyaga University, Mutio stated that the CS appointed Ben Momanyi to the council for a three-year term.
“We are turning public universities into some village cattle dip associations that must draw their leadership from the village eldership,” he went on to say.
Mutio alleges that recent choices by the CS lacked quality and should be opposed and denounced.
The spokesperson for Uasu mentioned that the appointment of Directors, Deans, heads of departments, and other positions will be based on tribal affiliations, without mentioning the promotion of staff.
He stated that the union has petitioned the government to block appointments in institutions.
According to Mutio, Prof. Rosebella Maranga has been acting irregularly in her role as Vice Chancellor of MMU, and the union has not received any response to objections it filed through the office of Chief of Staff Felix Koskei.
In Our Other News: Court Orders CS Machogu to Respond in Alleged Tribalism Case
Last Monday, the Public Investment Committee, chaired by Bumula MP Wamboka Wanami, accused Machogu of nominating his tribe for institutions.
The committee directed Auditor General Nancy Gathungu to conduct a special audit of the ministry.
However, Machogu has already stated that the claims against him are false. The secretary of state added, “What people are peddling are mere allegations to tarnish my reputation.”
UASU Targets Machogu Over Tribalism in Public University Council Appointments
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