Former Bomet Central Member of Parliament (MP) Ronald Tonui has hailed the awarding of a full university charter to Bomet University as the culmination of years of grassroots activism, public demonstrations and legal battles that defined one of the county’s most consequential development struggles.
In a reflective statement following the charter award by President William Ruto on Wednesday at statehouse, Tonui described the milestone as the maturation of a long-held vision saying the institution is already transforming Bomet County’s socio-economic standing.
“Bomet University is our brainchild. Our vision has matured, and the university is truly changing our social and economic status as a county. This is a big blessing to us all,” Tonui said.
He recounted how early resistance to the university project forced proponents to adopt unconventional methods to attract national attention including public demonstrations that were widely covered by the media.
According to Tonui, one such demonstration proved pivotal after President William Ruto — who was not in office at the time — reportedly watched a television clip of the protests.
“The President watched the TV clip and said, ‘So the people of Bomet are passionate about getting a university. President Moi built Moi University; I will build Bomet University,’” Tonui recalled.
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Tonui noted that the push for the university was initially supported by leaders including Bernard Bett(former Bomet East MP) , later joined by former Bomet Senator Prof. Lesan and several members of the county assembly.
At the time, former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto allegedly led opposition to the project.
The struggle later escalated into court battles after sections of the county leadership attempted to cancel the university’s title deed in favour of designating the land as a dumpsite.
Tonui acknowledged the critical support that came later from leaders such as the late Governor Dr Joyce Laboso and former Konoin MP Sammy Koech, describing their involvement as instrumental in sustaining the fight.
He also paid tribute to grassroots mobilisers and volunteers who played key roles in logistics and public engagement, naming Patrick, Victor, Bildad, Peter Plastic, Chebusit, Mama Chepkoech, Enock, Sigei, Mulo, among others.
The struggle, he said, came at a heavy personal cost. “A stone that narrowly missed me landed on Bildad Cherangut, an aspirant for who had to spend time in the ICU at Tenwek Hospital,” Tonui said,
He underscored the intensity of the demonstrations.
As Bomet University formally joins Kenya’s chartered public universities, Tonui said history would record the sacrifices, resistance and collective determination that made the institution a reality.
“History will never forget the role played by the people of Bomet,” he said.
By Philip Koech
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