University Breaks Silence after Lecturer's Utterances on Ruto's Re-election

The University of Eldoret has come out to condemn remarks made by one of its part-time lecturers, who was filmed while commenting on the potential outcome of the next year's presidential election.

Perhaps in jest, the don was heard asking students from certain regions not to report back should President William Ruto lose.

Whilst his utterances evoked laughter from his audience, some quarters took issue with it, prompting the university to speak.

In a statement issued by its Corporate Affairs and Marketing Department on Saturday, September 26, the university said it had taken note of the utterances, reportedly made during a session of SHUM 211: State and Society Development, held on September 24 at ED5.

"The University of Eldoret Management has taken note of, and strongly condemns, the unfortunate and unacceptable utterances reportedly made by one of its part-time lecturers while teaching SHUM 211: State and Society Development on 24th September 2026 at ED5," the statement read.

The university moved swiftly to distance itself from the lecturer's remarks, stating that they did not reflect its institutional stance or policy in any way.

"The University wishes to state unequivocally that the utterances attributed to the said lecturer do not represent, reflect, or in any way constitute the position, policy, or official views of the University of Eldoret," it said.

Management said the institution holds all staff, including those on part-time engagements, to strict standards of conduct and that the remarks fell short of what is expected of its personnel.

It noted that high standards of professionalism, academic integrity, respect, inclusivity, and responsible conduct are not negotiable among the staff.

The university confirmed that disciplinary proceedings against the lecturer had already begun, in line with its internal regulations.

"Accordingly, the university has instituted immediate and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the applicable university policies, regulations, and principles of due process. The university will not hesitate to take all necessary measures where the conduct of any member of staff is found to be inconsistent with these standards," it said.

Describing itself as an institution serving a diverse and international student body, the university sought to reassure its community that it remained committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of all its members regardless of their regional or political backgrounds.

"The University of Eldoret is a national and international institution of higher learning serving a diverse student population from Kenya and across the world. We remain firmly committed to discharging our constitutional and statutory mandate while safeguarding the dignity, rights, safety, and welfare of all members of our university community," the statement said.

The institution further pledged its commitment to accountability and non-discrimination going forward, extending assurances to students, staff and the wider public.

The identity of the lecturer has yet to be disclosed.