Activist Urges President Ruto to Intervene in Lecturers’ Strike, Citing Students’ Suffering

 

 Eldoret-based Human Rights Activist Kipkorir Ngetich has called on President William Ruto to take firm and immediate action to end the ongoing lecturers’ strike, saying it has caused immense suffering to students and parents across the country.

Speaking to the press in Eldoret, Ngetich condemned the prolonged industrial action by members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), accusing the union’s officials of blackmailing the government and holding the education sector hostage.

“It is not acceptable that after the government opened its doors for negotiations and made concessions in the spirit of give and take, UASU officials are still busy blackmailing the government to the detriment of students,” said Ngetich. “The time has come for His Excellency the President to step in and issue an executive order to end this stalemate.”

The activist expressed concern that thousands of university students have been forced to suspend their studies, with many losing hope and some reportedly turning to crime due to frustration. He termed the lecturers’ strike as a form of “weaponized industrial action” that unfairly targets innocent students and parents.

“Even in times of war, there is always a ceasefire to create a conducive environment for dialogue. These lecturers are not superhuman beings; they are public servants who should act responsibly,” he stated.

Ngetich urged the government to remain firm, warning that continued disruptions in higher education pose a serious threat to the country’s development and stability.

“The future of every nation depends on how its people are educated. It is therefore a violation of human rights when the education of young people is disrupted for selfish interests,” he said. “The constitution guarantees the right to industrial action, but that right must be exercised responsibly. Threatening the future of millions of students is unacceptable.”

The activist further argued that UASU officials should not be allowed to “mislead their members into endless strikes,” insisting that they should be in office engaging the government while lecturers continue teaching.

He called on President Ruto to take decisive action to “restore sanity in the education sector” and protect the rights of students and parents.

“Your Excellency, the young generation is looking upon you as the only voice of hope. Meetings after meetings and threats after threats as if there is no government in existence is a dangerous precedent. It’s time for painful but necessary decisions to be made,” Ngetich emphasized.

He concluded by urging students to remain calm and hopeful that the government will soon resolve the impasse, restoring learning in universities across the country.

“Negotiation is about give and take, not rigidity. The government has already shown goodwill. It’s time to put an end to this suffering and safeguard the future of our nation,” he added.