UoE Hit With Fresh Demands, 7-Day Ultimatum Over Statement on Lecturer's Remarks

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has called on the University of Eldoret (UoE) to clarify its handling of remarks reportedly attributed to a part-time lecturer during a class on September 24.

In a statement on Monday, September 28, Alai said the university should provide clarity on whether it has commenced an investigation, imposed an interim measure or already taken disciplinary action against the lecturer.

He said both students and staff should be protected while ensuring that the lecturer is subjected to a fair and impartial process before any finding of misconduct is made.

"I call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Eldoret to clarify its statement concerning remarks reportedly attributed to a part-time lecturer during SHUM 211: State and Society Development on 24 September 2026.

"The allegations must be taken seriously. Students and staff deserve safety and dignity. The lecturer also deserves a fair, impartial process before any finding of misconduct or punishment," the statement read.

Alai questioned the wording used by the university in its statement, particularly its description of the remarks as "reportedly made" and "attributed" while at the same time indicating that immediate and appropriate disciplinary action had been instituted.

"The University’s statement uses the words 'reportedly made' and 'attributed,' yet says it has instituted 'immediate and appropriate disciplinary action.' That language leaves the public unsure whether an investigation has begun or a sanction has already been imposed," the statement added.

Alai said the university should make clear what stage its process had reached and avoid creating the impression that the matter had already been determined before an inquiry is completed.

"The University should clarify the stage reached and correct any impression that it has decided the case in advance. I do not assume that no inquiry has taken place; I ask the University to explain what process it is following," the statement further read.

Alai also raised concerns over the need to authenticate digital material that may be circulating online in connection with the lecturer's alleged remarks.

He said the university should establish the origin and integrity of any evidence, examine its full context and hear from witnesses before reaching a conclusion.

"As a former technology blogger and a graduate in computing, I know that a recording, clip, screenshot or transcript can be fabricated, edited or stripped of context. I make no claim that any material in circulation is a deepfake.

"The point is to verify its origin, integrity and full context, hear witnesses, and give the lecturer a meaningful chance to respond. An accusation must neither be accepted nor dismissed solely because it has spread online," the statement noted.

Alai further cited constitutional protections relating to fair labour practices and procedurally fair administrative action, as well as academic freedom and the limits placed on expression where the rights of others are concerned.

"These protections require a careful, evidence-based assessment; they do not shield proven misconduct. International standards for higher-education personnel likewise call for impartial disciplinary procedures and fair appeal," the statement read.

In his demands to the university, Alai called for clarity on the meaning of the disciplinary action announced, preservation and verification of evidence, a fair hearing before any final decision and protection of everyone involved in the matter.

He asked the university to clarify whether the disciplinary action referred to an investigation, an interim measure or a sanction. 

Alai also called for preservation and verification of original digital material, its context and potentially exculpatory information.

He further demanded that the lecturer be given a fair hearing before any final decision, with an impartial decision-maker and applicable review rights. 

Alai also called for protection of students, complainants, witnesses and the lecturer from retaliation and unnecessary public exposure.

"I request a written account of the process and safeguards within 7 days of the University’s receipt of my letter. The investigation need not conclude within that period," the statement concluded.

This comes days after UoE came out to condemn remarks made by the lecturer.

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 on Saturday, September 26, the university said it had taken note of the utterances, reportedly made during the SHUM 211: State and Society Development class.

UoE distanced 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," the statement read.

UoE 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.

UoE 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," the statement added.