Efforts to shortchange Professor Nandi Ogodo Manyasa as the Vice-Chancellor of Kaimosi Friends’ University have sparked strong opposition from members of the public.
Led by Mrs. Caroline Namuenge, the faction expressed their concern, stating that denying him his rightful position is unjust both to him and the Bukusu community where he hails from.
“Professor Manyasa Nandi qualified for this job. It will be injustice to him and our community from Bungoma,” remarked Namuenge, who is also an artist.
According to reports, the Public Service Commission sent a letter to the University on December 15th, 2023, requesting the submission of the nominated VC’s name for confirmation.
On January 2nd, 2024, the University Council convened and elected Prof. Manyasa as the VC with an overwhelming 80.33% support.
Prof. James Njiru from Tharaka Nithi secured 71%, while Prof. Mary Abukutsa Onyango from Siaya emerged in 3rd place.
However, controversy has erupted as Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi allegedly pushes for Prof. Mary Abukutsa to be fronted for the seat.
Reports suggest that Mudavadi, who shares the same Maragoli heritage as Prof. Abukutsa, is leveraging Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyagala, who also sits on the University’s Council, to effect the changes.
While other universities submitted a single name for VC confirmation, Inyagala is reportedly advocating for Kaimosi Friends’ University to submit three names.
Prof. Nandi Manyasa hails from Naitiri in Bungoma County, while Prof. Abukutsa is associated with Vihiga County.
The unfolding situation has ignited public outcry, with calls for transparency and adherence to due process in the appointment of university leadership positions.
Prof. Ogodo, M.J Nandi is a full Professor and currently the Acting Vice Chancellor of Kaimosi Friends University.
He has over twenty-five years of teaching and research experience at University level and has published several university level books and articles in refereed journals.
He has also won International research grants in multi-disciplinary research. He has taught and supervised many students at Masters and PhD level.
Prof Nandi has served as an administrator for over fourteen years, six of this as head of department and eight as a director.
He is a member of professional bodies(Association of African Study of Religion, Ecumenical Symposium of East African Theologians, Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians.