“Apologize Now”: Moi University Lecturers Demand Public Apology From VC Over “Parasites” Remark

BY VIONA SIMIYU

Tensions are boiling at Moi University after lecturers demanded a public apology from Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kiplagat Kotut over alleged remarks calling them “parasites.”The Universities Academic Staff Union, Moi Chapter, accused Prof. Kotut of insulting staff who are already grappling with unpaid salaries and a collapsing institution.

Speaking in Eldoret, UASU Secretary Prof. Robert Oduori termed the remarks “uninformed and irresponsible,” saying they had demoralized lecturers working under extreme pressure.”Our members are the backbone of this university. They should not be insulted while trying to keep it running,” Prof. Oduori said.The fallout comes as Moi University faces fresh heat in Parliament over a KSh9 billion debt. Prof. Kotut told the National Assembly Committee on Education on July 2 that the university also needs an additional KSh1.9 billion for the 2026/27 financial year.

The committee, led by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, is reviewing how the institution has implemented past recommendations on governance and accountability.But UASU insists the crisis is about poor leadership, not lecturers. The union cited severe staff shortages, saying the Department of Mental Health has only one lecturer, while two lecturers in Pathology handle over 1,000 students in some classes. Lecturers also claim they have been forced to buy teaching equipment with their own money. A 2025 attempt by management to declare some departments redundant was stopped by court action, the union added.

On welfare, UASU says lecturers are owed KSh1.25 billion in salary arrears, plus over KSh500 million in unpaid pensions and loan remittances.The union now wants the government to use funds from the February 2026 supplementary budget to clear the arrears — and for Prof. Kotut to issue a public apology for the alleged “parasites” comment.