Varsity suspends nine over strikes

Nine senior officials at the University of Eldoret have been suspended to pave the way for investigations into frequent strikes. The University Council, chaired by Prof Sarone ole Sena, met on Friday and made the decision.

Those suspended are Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and Finance Prof Ezekiel Kiprop, Mr Edward Cherogony (Security Officer), Mr Hosea Sitienei (Finance officer), Prof Jacob Bitok (lecturer, Mathematics Department), Mr Geoffrey Kiptoo (lecturer, School of Environmental Studies), Dr Joseph Koech (Registrar Administration), Mr John Koros (officer in charge of Sports), Mr Eliud Seurey (Central Services) and Dr Mary Chepkite Lekopoit (Registrar Planning).

“You have been suspended pending the completion of investigations into the recent unrest,” the letter signed by Prof ole Sena said.

Yesterday, the management announced in a communication to the staff those who will act in the absence of the suspended officers.

The acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance) is Prof Pius Kipkemboi, Dr Benjamin Mwasi is the acting Registrar (Planning), the Registrar (Administration) is Prof Donald Otieno while Mr Ereu Totona is the acting Finance Officer.

The suspended officers are accused of working with politicians to organise protests.

Attempts to get comments from the university Prof Sena and Vice-Chancellor Prof Teresia Akenga did not bear fruit as their phones went unanswered. They didn’t reply to text messages too.

The university’s Uasu Chairman Joel Laigong said the council should have carried out investigations before suspending the officers.

Reference : www.nation.co.ke