The University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) has raised concerns about recent appointments made by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, alleging tribalism in the selection process for public university council members.
Onesmus Mutio, the Uasu National Organising Secretary and Secretary General at Multi-Media University (MMU), criticized Machogu’s appointments, warning that they could perpetuate tribalism within higher education institutions. Mutio emphasized the urgent need to address and counteract these trends.
The reaction follows the appointment of Dr. Angelica Obaga as a council member at Multimedia University on April 5, along with other appointments made by Machogu at various universities. Mutio highlighted appointments at the Commission for University, Multimedia University, Kabianga University, Southern Eastern Kenya University, and Kirinyaga University, expressing concern over what he perceived as a pattern of tribal favoritism.
He expressed dismay at the perceived transformation of public universities into entities resembling local associations controlled by village eldership, suggesting that leadership should be based on merit rather than tribal affiliation.
