Drama ; As Moi University Suspends Union Leaders Over Payment Dispute
As Moi University resumes operations, it faces another storm, this time with academic staff who are facing suspensions and dismissals just days after returning. The university management has begun issuing suspension and dismissal letters to leaders of all academic staff unions, marking a fresh point of contention in the institution’s struggle to restore normalcy.
Busolo Wegesa, Chapter Secretary of the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) at Moi University, confirmed this development on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over its impact on academic activities. “Moi University has started handing in dismissal letters. As of now, they have already handed the letter to the leadership of all the university staff unions. All the leaders have been given the notice,” Wegesa revealed, highlighting the challenge it poses to a smooth resumption.
Echoing these sentiments, a senior Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) official criticized the university’s actions, stating that such measures had only intensified staff members’ resolve to fight for their rights. “We just want them to pay our loans and all the deductions that they have taken from us. They should pay us, then we will come back to work. A salary is our right, so you cannot tell us to get back to work just because you paid our salaries. We haven’t been paid for two months,” she asserted, underscoring the financial strain on staff due to unpaid salaries.
The official also accused the university management of using “divide and rule” tactics by selectively issuing suspension letters to instill fear. “They are giving suspension letters selectively, feeding us fear. We want to tell the management and the government that this has greatly fueled us to work more,” she remarked, warning that these moves might backfire.
Wegesa further revealed that despite Members of Parliament previously instructing the university to engage with the staff, the management chose to disregard this directive. Instead, they began handing out suspension and dismissal notices to union leaders just before a Parliamentary committee departed the campus on Friday, November 6.
“There seems to be an intention to prevent any meaningful discussion on the issues affecting Moi University by sidelining union leaders,” he stated. “We already know they are using intimidation tactics to force workers to go to work. How do workers go to work if they have not been paid salaries for two months? How do workers go to work when their loans are in court and their property is being auctioned?”
These developments now threaten to derail the university’s academic calendar, potentially delaying graduation. “Graduation will not take place. Until all our issues are resolved, there will be no graduation system. Moi University uses an ERP system to produce the graduation list.
That ERP system has long been spoilt, and we are currently using manual means. Those lecturers who are still on strike are supposed to undertake this role,” Wegesa added, hinting at a protracted standoff if the issues are not addressed.
ALSO READ; Sports CS Murkomen Denies Abandoning Stranded Kenyan Amputee Team in Germany
Drama ; As Moi University Suspends Union Leaders Over Payment Dispute
