Governor Ottichilo Rebukes Vihiga Residents Pushing For 'Local' VC At Kaimosi University: "Ujinga"

• Vihiga governor Wilber Ottichilo urged Hamisi residents to shun creating fracas in the administration of Kaimosi Friends University
• Ottichilo stated that the Hamisi constituents enrolled at the institution are only 50 out of the over 4,000 students pursuing their degrees
• He advised the residents to allow the government to work on legal procedures and employ a suitable person to run the institution, regardless of their counties of origin

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Vihiga county governor Wilber Ottichilo has furiously warned Hamisi constituency residents against demanding a local vice chancellor at Kaimosi Friends University.

The county boss expressed concern about the negative image being portrayed by the residents and worried that the university would lose its value if its population decreased.

When visitors come here to celebrate their children's graduation, Vihiga residents are busy organising protests pushing to have a local vice chancellor. That is so hateful. I am very disappointed in you.

Do you think other Kenyans will allow their children to come and study here if they hear of your plans? Don't you think you will be killing our university? Even if we listen to your pleas, will that VC have students to teach?" posed the governor.

Why Ottichilo was angry at residents

The university boasts a student population of over 4,000, but only 50 of them come from the constituency, according to the governor

Ottichilo warned the residents about the future implications of converting the university into a village polytechnic. He explained the term university and emphasised the importance of preserving the institution for its intended purpose.

"University comes from the word universe. You don't know what university means, yet you are protesting about its leadership. And again, this constituency has only 50 students in that learning facility. Or do you want to turn it into a village polytechnic? I will not allow such. You must stop the madness!" he warned.

The county boss urged the residents to cooperate with the government's legal procedures for hiring qualified VCs to run the school peacefully. He also promised to support the newly appointed head.

Ottichillo emphasised his significant efforts in securing the university charter during former president Uhuru Kenyatta's administration.

He noted that those who were planning demonstrations were in their villages, unaware of the developments taking place.

He further disclosed that the institution had signed a memorandum to set up a centre of excellence in climate change within the school beginning in January.

"We are starting a centre of excellence in climate change at the institution by January 2024, and we have already signed a memorandum. The department will focus on teaching citizens matters related to climate change," he conceded.

Kaimosi University in crisis for operating without chancellor

Kaimosi Friends University was among the institutions for higher learning listed for operating under no substantive chancellors in March.

This was after Kilifi North member of parliament Baya Owen raised an alarm in parliament, wanting the appointment sped up before the degrees conferred were challenged in a court of law.

President Uhuru Kenyatta granted the university a charter in July 2022, a month before the end of his tenure.