Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Calls for Government Intervention Amid UASU Strike Allegations of Political Manipulation

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has strongly condemned the ongoing strike by the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) in public universities, accusing union officials of covertly inciting students to join the strike and alleging that the union has been secretly receiving funds from political figures to escalate the crisis. In a statement released earlier today, Ngetich called on the government to urgently intervene, accusing the union of hijacking the cause of lecturers’ rights and turning it into a politically motivated movement that is now threatening the stability of Kenya’s education sector.

Ngetich, a prominent advocate for education reform and human rights, warned that the strike—originally started as a protest over lecturers' pay and working conditions—had devolved into a politically-driven agenda. He raised serious concerns about UASU's leadership, alleging that union officials were being financially backed by certain political figures to create further chaos within the education sector.

“This is no longer a fight for justice. What we are witnessing is a deliberate and well-coordinated plan to destabilize the education system, to create the false narrative that the government has failed in its responsibility, both locally and internationally,” Ngetich said in his statement. “We cannot allow political manipulation to continue exploiting the genuine concerns of our lecturers, and more importantly, using students as pawns in this dangerous game.”

A Call for Government Oversight

The human rights activist emphasized the need for immediate government action to monitor and investigate the activities of UASU officials, who, according to Ngetich, have shifted the focus of the strike from lecturers' rights to political vendettas. He cited reports from within the education sector suggesting that UASU has been raising funds under the guise of supporting the strike, but these funds are allegedly being funneled into political campaigns meant to fuel discontent among university students and to further exacerbate the crisis.

“We are calling on the government to take immediate action and put a stop to these covert operations by UASU officials. We have credible reports that these officials are being funded by certain political figures to incite students and escalate the situation. This is no longer about the lecturers’ pay or conditions; it has evolved into a political tool designed to tarnish the government’s reputation,” Ngetich continued.

He urged the Ministry of Education to act swiftly and decisively to investigate the matter, warning that the longer the government remains passive, the greater the damage to the education system, as well as to the trust and confidence of the public.

The Failure of Ministry Leadership

Ngetich expressed frustration over the lack of leadership within the Ministry of Education, particularly from the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education. According to Ngetich, the failure of these key government figures to resolve the crisis and take firm action against the union’s disruptive tactics was a clear sign of ineffective governance.

“It is deeply troubling that the CS for Education and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education have not stepped forward to address this crisis. The Ministry of Education should be providing leadership, offering solutions, and negotiating in good faith to end this strike. Instead, we have a government that seems dormant, detached, and incapable of responding to a national crisis that is threatening the future of thousands of students,” Ngetich said.

The activist questioned the commitment of the Ministry of Education to the well-being of students, adding that it was unacceptable for the government to allow its own employees—lecturers who are still receiving a government salary—to instigate further unrest and violence, while students’ education and futures hang in the balance.

“We cannot allow a situation where government employees—those on the public payroll—are engaging in violent protests while our children’s education is put on hold. This is a blatant abuse of public office and an insult to taxpayers who fund these salaries. It is time for the government to take decisive action and restore order,” Ngetich stated.

Students as Political Pawns

Ngetich’s statement also highlighted the toll the ongoing strike is having on students, many of whom are facing indefinite delays in their studies, including postponed exams and graduations. He argued that students—who are already vulnerable to academic setbacks—are now being caught in the middle of what has turned into a highly politicized battle between lecturers and the government.

“Students are being manipulated and used as political pawns in this larger agenda,” Ngetich said. “The very students who are being denied the right to graduate, the right to sit exams, and the right to continue their education are the ones being sacrificed for the selfish interests of UASU officials. These students are already facing enormous challenges—many are trying to complete their studies, while others are preparing to graduate—but they are now forced to endure an additional burden caused by a dispute that has nothing to do with them.”

Ngetich condemned the ongoing delay in the resumption of academic activities, noting that students who are unable to graduate or sit for exams are bearing the brunt of the crisis. He called this a “gross violation” of students’ rights to education and warned that the longer the strike persists, the more it would damage the mental health and morale of students.

“The situation has reached an untenable point. These students did not start this strike. They are the ones who will bear the consequences if it continues. This situation is unforgivable. The government must prioritize the well-being of students and ensure they are not further delayed in their education. These students have the right to finish their studies on time without being subjected to the whims of union officials who are pushing their own personal, political agendas,” Ngetich said.

The Call for Urgent Government Action

Ngetich’s statement was clear in its call for government intervention to put an end to the political manipulation within the strike and to restore normalcy within the education sector. He called for the immediate dismissal of any lecturers who continue to engage in disruptive behavior, while demanding that UASU’s leadership be held accountable for their actions.

“There is no place in Kenya for a group of selfish individuals to derail the future of an entire generation. If UASU officials are determined to use their position as union leaders to further their political ambitions, they should be removed from office immediately. Lecturers who continue to participate in these political protests and disrupt students' lives should face the consequences. The government should take immediate action and relieve these individuals of their duties,” Ngetich demanded.

He emphasized that Kenya cannot afford to allow the education sector to be hijacked by individuals who are willing to sacrifice the future of young people in pursuit of narrow political objectives.

“The government has shown its willingness to negotiate. It has made offers to UASU, yet their leadership has refused to accept these offers because they are pushing a hidden agenda. This is no longer about the lecturers’ pay; this is about power and politics. The government must step in and ensure that these lecturers are either sent back to class or dismissed. The future of our young people cannot be put at risk because of personal and political vendettas,” Ngetich concluded.

A Nation on Edge: The Long-Term Impact of a Prolonged Strike

As the strike enters its third month with no resolution in sight, the pressure is mounting on the government to take action. The economic and social impact of the strike is already being felt, with universities seeing a sharp decline in student morale, as well as the broader implications on the nation’s education system. Parents, students, and academic staff alike are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of leadership and resolution.

The longer the strike persists, the greater the risk of permanent damage to the education sector, with students’ futures hanging in the balance. As Ngetich warned, failure to address the situation swiftly could have long-lasting consequences, not only for the students caught in the middle but for the reputation of Kenya’s public universities as well.

“We cannot continue to let this situation fester. If the CS for Education and the government do not act decisively now, we may find ourselves in a situation that we cannot reverse. The government must take responsibility and resolve this crisis before it spirals further out of control,” Ngetich said.

The call for urgent action by the government is now echoed by many Kenyans, with widespread support for efforts to bring the strike to a swift end, restore stability in the education system, and ensure that the interests of students are protected.