Kibabii University Alumni Association on Friday, May 14, 2021 held her long awaited election that was meant to cement the leadership realm in a bid to make the Association back in action again after being in limbo for years when it was still under the motherhood of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). The Event was graced by Kibabii University`s icons, Chair of the KIBUAA Electoral Commission and Returning Officer Prof. Samuel Mbugua, Dean of Students and Deputy Returning Officer Dr. Alice Mutai, Deputy Returning Officer Dr. Robert Wafula, Mr. Noah Wafula, the Chairman of the Commissioners from the Alumni Association`s corridor, and other observers. Mr. Wafula, the Chairman of the Commissioners from the Alumni Association, confirmed to the KIBUA Electoral Commission that some aspirants appeared unopposed, paving way for the contest of only one position, the Chairmanship of the Association, which featured three aspirants, Mr. Wekola Billy, Mr. Mosioma Elijah and Mr. Tonny Barasa with the latter stepping down the last minute. Prof. Mbugua declared the voting time to commence at 0900 hours after voters turned up despite the low entry under strict adherence to the Ministry of Health protocols that were reinforced with help of the security personnel. While addressing the audience after the voting and counting had come to an end, Prof. Mbugua noted that the new Chairman of KIBU Alumni Association as well as other officials will be sworn in to office later in the presence of the legal team, an event that will be graced by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo on a later date that will be made public.
Mr. Billy Wekola won the Chairman position with 19 votes against his opponent Mr. Mosioma Elijah who got 2 votes. There were no spoilt votes. On his end, the In-Charge Office of Career Services Dr. Wafula educated the incoming leadership, informing them that KIBU Alumni Association is not a political organization but a platform that brings the administration, the Alumni and current students together. “From 2019 we have been looking forward to this event. Alumni Association is not a political organization but a platform that brings us together to help our brothers and sisters who are feeding from the dustbins. We want to ensure by July this year, that, the endowment fund is running so that we can be able to support Kibabii University needy students in terms of paying their fees, buying them food etc. We need everyone from certificate, diploma, degree and PhD to help us contribute and help our own students,” Dr. Wafula said. Dr. Mutai could not hold her joy over the same, sending a direct challenge to the new leadership, which according to her is changing the image of Kibabii University from those who have been ruining it on different social media outlets. “I have learnt that many students who come from Bungoma County are poor, we need our different inputs to support these students. We also need a change of narrative in leadership, we have seen our students and the community comment negatively about Kibabii University on social media walls, it is now time for you to help us to stop that narrative,” Dr. Mutai said. She further appreciated the efforts of the interim leadership, confirming that they have drafted a constitution, and switching the focus back to the new chair to lead with wisdom and consultation from the positive inputs and energies around him.
