Business operations around Moi University were momentarily disrupted on Monday as local residents called for the ejection of Vice Chancellor Isaac Kosgei.
The locals took to the streets to demonstrate against what they described as the constant sabotaging of the region's economy by the Vice Chancellor.
According to the residents, the VC has developed a habit of firing casual labourers at the institution arbitrarily.
The locals were also aggrieved by the vice chancellor's decision to hold the most recent graduation ceremony virtually claiming the move hampered their businesses in a major way.
“The main trigger was the decision to hold this year’s graduation virtually. The once-in-a-year event is one of the main activities of the region,” a Moi University staffer working in management told Kenyans.co.ke.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the staffer remarked that the local residents' protests were quietly being supported by senior managers at the institution.
“The Management does not agree with Kosgei’s insistence that the graduation be virtual and that is why they are supporting the protests,” he explained.
He added that the Vice Chancellor has also become unpopular for freezing the employment of casual labourers from the region.
One of the demands being made by the locals is to have all casual labourers working for the University be confirmed as permanent and pensionable employees.
Additionally, they want the administration to halt what they term as unlawful dismissal of workers.
The protests came days after Boda Boda riders and Mama Mbogas demanded that the institution provide them with working shades.
Kosgei took over as Vice Chancellor of Moi University in 2018 in a move that was marred with controversy.
At the time, local residents demonstrated calling for Kosgei to take over from Laban Ayiro who had been Acting Vice Chancellor.
