The striking Moi University lecturers have vowed not to resume work until all their demands, some of which date back over 7 years ago, are fully addressed.
Led by Mary Kobillo, they observed that their efforts to air their grievances through their unions have borne no fruit as the relevant authorities have remained mute.
Addressing the press, she claimed the ongoing strike has impacted negatively on the development of Uasin Gishu since most businesses have literally closed.
“The ongoing strike has impacted negatively on the development of this county. As we speak, businesses have already closed. Apart from lecturers, the other staff come from the local community,” she said.
She questioned why President William Ruto remains silent yet the university which owes them Ksh8.6 billion is located in his home county.
“We are shocked that President Ruto is silent, yet this university is in his county. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Environment Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale and other senior government officers are our alumni but unfortunately, they are all silent. We are stating categorically that no returning to work until our demands are fully met,” she said.
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Kobillo stated that their needs are unique in comparison to those of their colleagues in other universities, further blaming the institution for withholding their two months salaries and blackmailing them to resume work so as to receive the payment.
Phillip Chebunet on his part demanded that the Machakos agreement be fully implemented, arguing the move will help forestall lecturers’ strikes in the future.
Chebunet also faulted the suspension of union officials, further appealing for the bailing out of the cash trapped university in order to restore its past glory.
“This university is not only important to this county, but the entire country. We hereby want the government to urgently bail it out just as it did to Mumias Sugar in order to enable it to remain afloat,” suggested Chebunet.
By Kimutai Lang’at
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