This archive report was first published on 31 August 2021.
Chuka University Students Rally Behind Embattled VC ¶
On August 31, 2021, students of Chuka University held a press conference to defend their Vice-Chancellor, Professor Erastus Njoka, against allegations of possessing fake academic papers.
According to the students, the probe by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) was a malicious attempt to intimidate and discredit Professor Njoka.
The students claimed that the EACC probe was affecting learning in the university and that the accusations against Professor Njoka were baseless.
One student, General Apopo, stated, "We are not very happy over the propaganda spreading on fake papers on our VC Erastus. It affects undergraduate and postgraduate students. The accusation means that our degree and master certificates are fake when you state that our Professor's papers are fake."
Professor Njoka has been summoned by the EACC over allegations of possessing fake degree certificates acquired from the People's Friendship University of Russia based in Moscow.
However, the students read politics into the EACC probe, stating that it was an attempt to discredit Professor Njoka ahead of the 2022 General Election, in which he has declared interest in becoming the next Governor of Tharaka Nithi.
The students vowed to remain firm in their support for Professor Njoka, declaring, "If the professor is a political threat as comrades we will remain firm and ensure till the last vote that the Professor clinches the seat."
