Nyamira residents divided over location of planned university

Residents of Nyamira and their leaders are embroiled in a dispute over the proposed site for the planned State University of Nyamira, following President William Ruto's recent announcement to establish the university at Kiabonyoru in North Mugirango Constituency.

The President's endorsement of the location during his visit to the region earlier this week has sparked controversy, with some leaders accusing the area's Member of Parliament of misleading the Head of State.

Some leaders have since begun voicing their opposition to the decision barely three days after Ruto's three-day tour of the Gusii region.

"Consultations were underway to determine the most suitable location for the university. We have not conducted any public participation on this matter, and Mr. President, you must have been misguided by someone," said Moses Mokaya, a resident of Nyamira.

The drama unfolded on Monday when the President, during a public rally, announced that Nyamira would indeed get a university and urged the leaders and residents to agree on the location.

North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko added: "This land here is 54 acres, and we were told by Kisii University to set it aside. Those who had encroached on it have started demolishing their houses. What am I going to do, Your Excellency?"

The pressure from residents and leaders who accompanied the President led to his declaration that the university would be built in Kiabonyoru, although some leaders were displeased with the decision.

"We have decided that the university will come here. You have enough land, and now the people from Kisii University will finalize the remaining issues so we can complete the plan and bring the university here," said Ruto at the time.

They accused the North Mugirango MP, who is the only UDA member of parliament from the region, of using his proximity to the President to influence the decision.

"My friend cried, used the party, and claimed to be steadfast in the party. Even before the technical board from Kisii University and the Commission for University Education arrived, he jumped ahead, saying he had received the report himself. Our people in Manga are still waiting for the university," Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo stated.

A section of leaders from the region believes that President Ruto acted hastily on a matter that concerns leadership and governance of the area. This statement comes after the President mentioned that he had met with the area MP prior to his visit.

"The people of Nyamira are asking, will they be able to decide where the university will be located?" Posed another resident Robert Ongwano.

Another George Ombane added, "That university should remain in Nyamira. We have elected all our members, and they should sit down together to agree if the university stays in Nyamira."

West Mugirango MP Steve Mogaka on his part said: "Anyone claiming that the decision on the university was made by someone other than the commission is not legitimate. It is against the law and will not succeed."

Speaking to Citizen TV over the phone, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamoko insists that the university should be based in Kiabonyoru and that the President's decision still stands.