Bungoma Man Who Earned 15 Suspensions, 2 Expulsions Graduates From University Of Nairobi

• Timothy Wangila Sikenyi joined the University of Nairobi in 2008 with the mission to quench his academic thirst
• However, during his tenure in the school, he earned 15 suspensions and two expulsions courtesy of campus politics
• On September 20, 2024, the Bungoma man finally ended his 16-year struggle at the university as he graduated

Bungoma: It is a moment of celebration for a young man whose struggles and efforts have finally paid off.

Timothy Wangila Sikenyi can afford a smile after years of enduring many challenges that almost made him quit.

When did Timothy Wangila join UoN?

Wangila joined the University of Nairobi (UoN) in 2008, eager to further his studies after the opportunity.

However, it was an easy journey for him not because of a lack of funds but because of the political space he joined.

"Student Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) politics was ruthless, as Wangila earned 15 suspensions and two expulsions. He was well-versed with tension. He was gallant and didn't shy to abort peace when comrades' rights were infringed or threatened," a post by Anthony Manyara read.

How did Wangila graduate from UoN after 16 years?

Wangila remained vigilant and kept his zeal despite the several setbacks he encountered while serving his comrades.

"When Prof. Kiama Gitahi took over as UoN vice-chancellor (VC), through a quick intervention of Kenya Universities Students' Organisation (KUSO), he embarked on a mission to reinstate students who had politically been suspended and expelled. That is how Wangila made it," Manyara added.

He shared a photo of the Bungoma man in his graduation regalia, smiling after finally graduating after 16 years.

Kenyans congratulate Bungoma man Wangila

Social media users were drawn to the post, and the man's resilience paid off as they congratulated him.

Deng'Kur Mading:

"This is particularly interesting. Ambition can't be killed when it's well-founded on ambition and sincere commitment to the realities around us."

Wifi Whitehouse:

"A very inspiring story...All the best, legendary comrade."

Mutuma Mutwiri:

"Very inspiring."

Simon Murangiri:

"This gentleman cleared with me on Wednesday. So brave and outgoing.

Varsity politics are something else. He triumphed eventually."

Akhungu Vanon:

"Always embrace the struggle. It will pay off in the end. Big up, Wangila."

Bomet man graduates after 21 years

Similarly, Maxwell Kimetto shared that he had waited 21 years to graduate from Kenyatta University because he owed KSh 229,000.

According to the 43-year-old family man, he taught in 27 schools, and the students who passed through his hands graduated and were teachers.

After learning about Kimetto's predicament, Senator Hillary Sigei of Bomet county and other well-wishers helped him raise the money, and his dream finally came true.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.