The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo consoling the student.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo has today 28th March 2023, visited three University students admitted at the Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCGH) following an attack by Unknown Assailants, at their residences on Thursday and Saturday night. The VC was accompanied by the Dean of Students Dr. Bernadette Abwao, staff from the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM), Security, University Clinic and Dean’s office, and the MMUSO Chairperson- Mr. Benjamin Mutisya.
The three students; Ms. Belinda Kathambi (1st year), Ms. Gloria Akubu (2nd year- Bachelor of Education), and Mr. Felix Okello (1st year- Bachelor of Commerce) sustained injuries and are getting treatment at the County hospital. Ms. Akubu, who has been discharged, and Ms. Kathambi (still under medication) are roommates and were attacked by thugs at their residence near Lupe hospital on Saturday night. Similarly, Mr. Okello who is still admitted, awaiting surgery, was attacked on Thursday night, 23rd March 2023.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, the Dean, and Student Leaders consoling one of the attacked student.
Speaking during the visit to the hospital, Prof. Shibairo noted that the University is keen on ensuring the safety of students at all times. He however discouraged the students from staying in insecure places, late-night parties, and walking late at night.
“In order to foster the security of our students we have collaborated with the County government of Kakamega to have police patrols in hotspot areas. We have also established a police post at Kefinco estate and I am glad to report that the insecurity cases have since reduced. I am reviving the liaison office to work closely with the community, the County government, and the KCGH administration to ensure our students are attended to promptly when such cases arise. I wish our students a quick recovery,” said Prof. Shibairo.
Ms. Gloria Akubu explaining a point to the Vice Chancellor.
Additionally, the Vice Chancellor noted that the University is undertaking a project on affordable housing to construct a ten-thousand-capacity hostel to boost the security of our students. He also encouraged the students to have medical covers which are very key in facilitating their treatment when an emergency arises.
The liaison team will focus on students’ security, carry out resource mobilization, and activities aimed at establishing a rapport between the students and the community, as well as the health facilities where our students seek medication.
Echoing the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Abwao condemned the act saying that there is a need for the students to stay safe, especially at this time when attacks are prone in our country.
The team from the University during the visit to the hospital.
The MMUSO Chairperson, Mr. Benjamin Mutisya, assured comrades of his support in ensuring their safety. He noted that as Student Executive Council, in collaboration with the University Management, they are planning to conduct a community policing outreach where they will engage the community, and the County security personnel to address the issue of attacks and assaults on MMUST students. This will help in establishing a long-term solution for the same.
The Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital Administrator, Mr. Hillary Kiberenge, and Ms. Peris Wangulu (nurse) appreciated the Vice Chancellor for visiting the students. They noted that the visit is a gesture of the good working relations existing between the two institutions.
The visit by the Vice Chancellor is a reflection of the University's commitment to students' security and welfare.
By Linet Owuor
Photos by Masafu Shiundu
