Shock of 'competitive death rate' as Moi University loses 9 comrades in 90 days

Students of Moi University are now alarmed over what they are calling ‘competitive death rate’. On March 16, a third-year education student breathed his last at The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Students have alleged that the late Isaac Mburu had succumbed to a serious injury he sustained on February 22 when students were protesting over the death of Charity Maina (inset). Isaac’s death is the ninth the institution has recorded over the last three months. Others include, Emmanuel Chemiat, a fourth-year student; a former Muso chairperson, Florence Doghana; Collins Koech, a first-year who committed suicide; Vivian Jepkosgey, a first-year; Evans Ooko of School of Art, a third-year; Joseph Pukah of the School of Education; and Eric Naibei of the School of Arts. In an online forum, The Real Comrades of Main Campus, students expressed their fears, claiming the university was jinxed.

“Main campus... What’s happening? You guys have lost more comrades this year than any other institution. It’s barely three months since the year began. Prayers are necessary,” read a post by Bro Teddy B on the page. Another post by Ben Vincent expressed the same sentiments, as he asked God to have mercy on the institution. “Oh my God! This is becoming too much. Why us? Why all these? Where have we gone wrong? I am burdened,” read the post.

Current Muso Vice Chair, Grace Muchiri (pictured left) told Campus Vibe that students had asked for prayers, and that pastors are planning to pray for the institution.

Moi University Chaplain Rev Ariko Ekitala said the deaths were not out of the ordinary and they should not cause fear.

“These deaths are not about evil spirits or bad luck. We have had prayers, we have dedicated the place, and we always do,” he said. “We encourage students to also seek spiritual help and counselling from the chaplaincy and even fellow students when they have problems.”

Meanwhile, students have warned ‘proforma politicians’ against using students’ death to enrich themselves. One Eric Omondi ridiculed those he called funeral politicians, asking them to have a heart for students. “Wale watu wa burial proformas, kazi imepatikana,” read the Facebook post by Eric. Grace Muchiri said they have a welfare fund in the budget, where Sh30,000 is given to the family of a bereaved student, while the school also tops up.

“Sometimes we need to fund raise, but this is strictly in my docket and a contribution form must be signed and stamped by the dean’s office,” said Muchiri.

-Irvin Jalang’o