Moi University staff want Vice Chancellor Mibey out

 Moi University Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Mibey

Staff at Moi University are unhappy following the reinstatement of Prof Richard Mibe as Vice Chancellor.

Mibey who had been in charge for the past 10 years, had proceeded on leave pending his retirement.

Prof Mibey’s 10-year tenure was to come to an end this September, but he opted to take leave prior to take his bow from the university.

An announcement by the university council chairman, Prof Jenesio Kinyamario, indicated that the council approved Prof Fabian Esamai from the College of Health Sciences to act as the Vice Chancellor until Prof Mibey’s term ended. Consequently, the position was advertised and interviews for the same conducted.

However, on June 14, the institution made a one-sentence announcement on its website and Facebook page that read: “Prof Richard K Mibey, Vice Chancellor of Moi University, has been recalled by Moi University Council to resume duties with immediate effect.”

Following the announcement, more than 3,000 members drawn from the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers demonstrated around the Eldoret-based university chanting, “Mibey must go!” Anti-riot police were deployed thereafter.

Interestingly, both Prof Esamai and Prof Mibey’s photos appear on the university’s website with the caption, ‘University Administration.’ Further, there were unconfirmed claims that both were working in two separate offices.

UASU, Moi University Chapter Secretary, Prof Jack Abok said, “The interests of an individual should not supersede the welfare and lives of more than 40,000 students, lecturers and workers, among other Kenyans who depend on Moi University,” Abok said.

Campus Vibe could not reach the university’s management for comment.