Governor questioned about remarks on Moi University appointment
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and other leaders at a meeting with workers at Moi University in Eldoret on September 20, 2016. The leaders vowed to disrupt the institution’s graduation slated for September 22 and 25 unless Prof Isaac Kosgey was appointed the institution's vice-chancellor and demanded that all casual workers be employed on a permanent basis. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago denies he had labelled Prof Laban Ayiro, the acting vice-chancellor of Moi University as an outsider though he opposed his appointment.
The words were interpreted to mean that an outsider was anyone who was not a Kalenjin.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago was on Tuesday questioned by National Cohesion and Integrity Commission officials over his remarks on the appointment of Moi University acting vice-chancellor.
After more than two hours with the officials, he told the media that he denied having said that he wanted one “of our own” to be appointed instead of Prof Laban Ayiro.
He also denied that he had labelled the acting vice-chancellor Prof Ayiro, “an outsider” though he opposed his appointment.
The words were interpreted to mean that an outsider is anyone who is not a Kalenjin.
“That is not true,” Mr Mandago said”.
“The appointments in this country, and even in Moi University, must be on merit and nothing short of that.”
Addressing journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Nairobi, the governor said the chairman, Mr Francis ole Kaparo, “should cease prosecuting matters on TV, condemning me as a tribalist before hearing my story. If he wants to become a political commentator, he should resign as chair of this commission. If he wants to remain the chairman of this commission, he should follow due process.
He added: “I’m a law-abiding citizen and I am not a tribalist. I stand by what I said, that the appointment of the vice-chancellor of Moi University has to be on merit.”
Following Prof Ayiro’s appointment by Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, some politicians and their supporters stormed the university’s main campus in protest. The group demanded the installation of Prof Isaac Kosgey, whom they said had topped the interviews.
Mr Mandago and Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos were interrogated by detectives at the Department of Criminal Investigations headquarters over the matter last month.
The Education CS said he followed the law and that he would not talk with politicians.
Mr Mandago blamed the media for misreporting saying TV broadcasts had labeled him a tribalist.
