CS Matiang’i extends term of Acting Moi University VC Prof. Laban Ayiro

Acting Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro Photo:Courtesy

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday September 12 extended the appointment of Acting Moi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Laban Ayiro by six months.

Prof. Ayiro replaced former Vice Chancellor Prof. Richard Mibey whose two terms at the university had elapsed.

A section of North Rift leaders on September 20, 2016 stormed Moi University main campus premises in Kesses, Eldoret to protest against the appointment of Ayiro as the institution's acting Vice Chancellor.

However, Dr.  Matiang’i defended the appointment of Prof. Ayiro, saying he followed the law in the whole process.

Led by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos, MPs Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Silas Tiren (Moiben), Former MP James Bett (Kesses) and Isaac Terer Former Uasin Gishu County Assembly Speaker, the leaders vowed to stop the University's 32nd graduation ceremony which was scheduled to happen on Thursday 21.

The leaders wanted Education CS Fred Matiang’i to immediately appoint a substantive VC for Moi University, based on merit, arguing that it was wrong to appoint an acting VC when the university council concluded the process of recruiting a new VC and forwarded to him the names of three eligible individuals.

They also argued that an "outsider" had been appointed to the helm of the Eldoret-based University.

The leaders alleged that the Education CS and a powerful quarter was pushing for the appointment of their preferred candidate, stating that Prof. Isaac Kosgey, one of those interviewed for the position emerged top and should have been appointed permanently.