Daystar VC rubbishes claims of compulsory chapel attendance, threatens lawsuit

Addressing attendees during the Daystar Chapel service at the Athi River campus, Prof. Ayiro expressed his distress over what he deemed as falsehoods propagated by parliamentary leaders. 

“What has killed my heart is that in this country we lie and we call ourselves leaders,” he said.

Specifically, he denounced allegations suggesting that Daystar students are coerced into attending chapel services, which purportedly influence their final semester grades. 

He lamented the prevalence of dishonesty among those in positions of leadership within the country, citing scripture from 1 Peter 3:15 to underscore his point. 

Furthermore, Prof. Ayiro expressed a desire for the MP to comprehend both his own character and the nature of Daystar as an institution. 

“I wish that member of parliament knew who I am and who Daystar is,” he stated.

He refuted claims of mandatory chapel attendance, citing logistical challenges given the sizable student population. 

“If this worship was compulsory, we would have no space. I mean I have over 7000 students,” the VC affirmed.

“But for a national leader to stand up and lie, I shall have my day in court with him.”

Prof. Ayiro vowed to pursue legal recourse against the MP for his statements.

 Additionally, he urged Kenyans to scrutinize leaders' contributions to the nation before tarnishing the reputation of esteemed institutions like Daystar. 

Addressing allegations pertaining to LGBTQ matters, Prof. Ayiro criticized the focus on such issues in light of more pressing national concerns. 

“There is an acronym I have refused to memorize but now I am being forced, because I'm preparing for this so-called audit. It is LBQ...sth,” he voiced.

“To stand in a national assembly and talk about Daystar visa vie us perpetuating that, why don't you fix things in this country where things are so horrible? Why are you going for the innocent?”

He affirmed unity among students of different faiths and expressed anticipation for an upcoming ministry visit to observe Daystar's worship practices. 

“My Muslim students, I have always stood here and said we are one. You have your path We have our path,” he voiced.

“He loves them more than I love them? Does he know that in my own home, some of us are Muslims, some of us are Christians?”

The university's chapel policies came under scrutiny in the National Assembly, prompting Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to address the matter. 

“So I am waiting for the team, and I have a message for them. My message is that maybe you are very worried at the hope that some of us carry in our hearts that is why you can stand up and say those things,” he uttered.

Speaker Moses Wetangula directed a ministry team to investigate the allegations, with CS Machogu slated to present findings to the education committee in two weeks for further deliberation in the National Assembly.