Moi University VC battle is about resources Khalwale

Kakamega Senator, Bonny Khalwale, has faulted a section of leaders from the Rift Valley region who are opposed to the appointment of Professor Laban Ayiro as the acting Vice Chancellor.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Power Breakfast show on Thursday, Khalwale said that the battle for the VC position is majorly over the influence that the position holds and the ability to control resources at the university.

“The fight for the VC position at Moi University is about the control that comes with the position, the ability to control the disbursement of bursaries, allocation of tenders, and recruitment positions in other ranks,” said Khalwale.

He further noted that recruitment for the position should not be based on tribal affiliations but qualification.

There has been raging debate over Ayiro’s appointment, made by Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, with a section of leaders from Rift Valley led by Uasin Gishu Governor Julius Mandago and his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos.

The two leaders recorded statement at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday over their opposition for Ayiro’s appointment terming him an outsider.

Several other leaders including Deputy President William Ruto, Amani national Congress (ANC) leader Musalia Mudavadi and Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba have also condemned the governors’ actions.

Despite the debacle facing Mandago, he was accorded a hero’s welcome on his return to Eldoret on Wednesday.

Addressing the residents, Mandago stood by his earlier stand against the appointment of Ayiro saying he was not the most qualified candidate in the list.

Mandago and other leaders from the region have called for the revocation of Ayiro’s appointment saying his position should be taken by Isaac Kosgey.

Early this week, Interior Secretary General Joseph Nkaissery called for the arrest of Mandago and Tolgos, saying their utterances bordered on incitement.

The sat fell vacant after the exit of Prof Richard Mibey.