As Kenya marks 63rd Mashujaa Day at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Uasin Gishu Governor, Jonathan Chelilim Bii, has urged the National government to recognize Barsirian Arap Manyei as a national hero.
Governor Bii said that Arap Manyei was the Kenya’s longest serving political detainee, enduring over 40 years of colonial detention for resisting British rule.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations in Uasin Gishu County, the Governor said Manyei’s role in resisting colonial injustice deserves full national honour and inclusion in the list of Kenya’s heroes.
We are seeking your support for establishment of cultural centre, a monument and a Technical Training institution at Limuru Ng’eny , Soy Sub-county in his honour ” he noted
Governor Bii further called on the government to resettle squatters at Maili Tisa, Turbo Constituency and Sambul in Keses constituency noting that the families there should get title deeds .
On education, he urged the National government to urgently address the financial crisis facing Moi University.
He noted that as the second oldest public university in Kenya, Moi University plays a critical role in higher education and must not be allowed to collapse.
His remarks come at a time when members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Moi University chapter, are on strike over salary arrears and the institution’s financial challenges.
“Over two hundred workers have lost jobs and they are now battling stress and depression, and that’s why we need your intervention, ” he urged President Ruto.
He appealed to the government through the Ministry of Education to find a lasting solution to restore normal learning at the university.
by Shaline Jeruto
