MP goes to court over Ruto’s proposed site for Nyamira University
The tussle over the location of a proposed Nyamira University has taken a new twist after West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka together with 46 constituents moved to court challenging President William Ruto’s declaration of establishing the institution at Kiabonyoru in North Mugirango.
In the petition filed at Nyamira High Court on Friday, Mr Mogaka stated that the Kiabonyoru site is not fit for the university and should be declared a crime scene after the alleged loss of Sh100 million.
Mr Mogaka and the 46 other petitioners through their lawyers Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyanjui explained that some time back, Sh100 million was allocated towards the establishment of a constituent college and/or campus of Eldoret University, at Kiabonyoru within Nyamira County.
“That the allocation of the said monies, being tax-payers’ money towards the project in Kiabonyoru were never utilised in establishing the constituent college and as a matter of fact, the fate is unknown of the whereabouts of the funds as there is no institution that was built in Kiabonyoru. 40,” said Mr Mogaka.
The lawmaker noted that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has to date not performed any inquiry or investigations on the amount initially allocated towards the constituent college meant to serve Kiabonyoru.
Mr Mogaka explained that some time back, while at a public function at Sironga, he requested the president to assist in the establishment of a university in Nyamira County as it was a growing town in need of an institution of higher education.
Leaders from Nyamira, he said, in a bid towards discharging part of their public duties met and recommended the establishment of a university in the county with colleges in every constituency.
Kisii University, with proximity to Nyamira, visited the county and evaluated the sites for the proposed colleges. They filed their findings and recommendations to the Commission for University Education (CUE).
While CUE was processing the recommendations, on August 12, 2024, President Ruto, during the laying of the foundation stone ceremony for Kiabonyoru Secondary School dormitory in North Mugirango pledged Sh500 million to establish a University in Kiabonyoru, having allegedly consulted with the area MP.
Read: Gusii leaders clash in front of President William Ruto
The declaration by the President had seen heckling and shouting from members of the public allied to North Mugirango MP, Joash Nyamoko, wherefore Dr Ruto following his declaration to build a university in Kiabonyoru stated: “Tulikuwa tumekubaliana na huyu mjumbe wa hapa kwamba hii university ikuje hapa, na kwa sababu sasa ameenda kunitangaza kwa raia, sasa maneno ndio hivyo,” said the West Mugirango MP in his petition.
He added, “It is apparent that the declaration by the President was not soundly and freely informed and was as a result of coercion, bullying and arm-twisting by Nyamoko’s allied crowd hence succumbing to the jeering during the event of August 12, 2024. The president and Mr Nyamoko allegedly had a secret meeting; Subject Matter University; and agreed on location. The North Mugirango MP benefited from his own folly contrary to law.”
Mr Mogaka stated that the exclusive mandate of where, when and how a University is established is vested in the CUE, such that the declaration by the President of the Republic of Kenya militates against the due process and violates the Universities Act by usurping a mandate the President does not have.
President Ruto’s announcement seemed to have ended the contestation between the leaders but that was short lived.
“MP, Nyamoko, has revealed a secret here. We were waiting for the due process but because Nyamoko has revealed the secret here, I have no option. Before the end of the year, I will come to inspect the university’s progress,” he said.
President Ruto directed the neighbouring Kisii University to begin the process of establishing Nyamira University as he continues to look for some Sh500 million for its construction.
Mr Mogaka is now seeking the court to order that the meeting held at Kiabonyoru on August 12, 2024 and the utterances of the impugned meeting thereto be declared prejudicial to the meritorious and independent determination mandated stakeholders including CUE, Ministry of Education, Kisii University and other actors of the appropriate site of the proposed Nyamira university.
Nyamira County is one of the few devolved units without a university and the process of establishing one in the area was started by the late first governor of Nyamira John Nyagarama.
However, there has been a contestation amongst elected leaders on where exactly the university should be situated.
Each member of parliament and even Governor Amos Nyaribo has always seemed to lobby for the establishment of the same in their backyards or political bedrooms.
Other proposed sites included Manga in Kitutu Masaba, Senator Kebaso Secondary School and Riakimai in West Mugirango.
rmbula@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.