Egerton University Student Kneels and Pleads With President Ruto to End Lecturers’ Strike

Egerton University student Eunice Ochieng has drawn nationwide attention after an emotional video showed her kneeling and pleading with President William Ruto’s government to pay striking university lecturers. The strike, now in its 45th day, has paralyzed learning in public universities across Kenya, leaving thousands of students stranded and frustrated.

Visibly emotional, Eunice begged the government to take swift action, saying the prolonged strike had shattered students’ academic dreams and left them feeling hopeless. “This is unacceptable. If you don’t want us to learn, just do away with education. If you can’t pay lecturers, then release us so we can look for other options,” she said tearfully.

Why Did Eunice’s Plea Go Viral?

In her heartfelt message, Eunice criticized leaders for neglecting local education systems while sending their own children to study abroad. “It is very shameful that your children are abroad in top universities while we are suffering. We cannot be taught by lecturers who are hungry and unpaid. What shocks me as a comrade is that the president is quiet, going about business as if nothing is happening in the country,” she said.

Her words struck a chord with many young Kenyans who feel ignored in the ongoing education crisis. She went on to urge the government to act urgently, insisting that students have no other voice but their own. “There is no one who will fight for us except ourselves. Please, Ruto’s government, I beg you in the name of God, do the necessary. You are too quiet as if nothing is happening in your country, yet you are the president,” she pleaded.

Eunice further lamented how education in Kenya is increasingly treated as a privilege rather than a right. “Education is not a token. It is disheartening that we live in a country where education is not the first priority. Time has been wasted, and time is money. We will need compensation,” she added.

What Is the Government Doing to Resolve the Strike?

The nationwide lecturers’ strike, now stretching into its seventh week, began over unpaid salary arrears amounting to KSh 7.9 billion. Negotiations between the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), the Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU), and the government have resumed, showing early signs of progress after weeks of deadlock.

The government has reportedly proposed to settle the arrears in two phases instead of three, a move meant to speed up resolution. UASU Secretary General Constantine Wesonga confirmed that both sides are working tirelessly to reach a fair deal. “We have agreed to burn the midnight oil, my lines are open. The government has also decided to burn the midnight oil,” he said.

Both unions are expected to present the latest offer to their National Delegates Conferences, where members will vote on whether to resume classes.

By Modester Nasimiyu