Moi University students have warned President William Ruto that the government risks losing their support in the 2027 General Election if it fails to resolve the ongoing lecturers' strike and ensure the payment of lecturers' salaries.
The students, led by Moi University Students' Organisation Secretary-General Enock Kwena, accused the government of prioritising political campaigns and succession debates over the urgent challenges affecting university education.
Speaking on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the student leaders expressed frustration over the continued disruption of academic activities, saying they joined the university to pursue their education and should not be forced to suffer because of an unresolved dispute involving lecturers and the government.
“We cannot shout ‘two-term’ at the expense of not going to class. We cannot shout ‘two-term’ when our lecturers are not paid,” Kwena said.
The remarks reflect growing frustration among the students as the reported industrial action continues to interrupt learning, leaving them uncertain about when normal academic programmes will resume.
Students link lecturers' strike to 2027 elections
The Moi University students issued a warning to President Ruto, saying their experiences during the strike could influence how they vote in the next General Election.
They argued that the government must demonstrate its commitment to education by resolving lecturers' grievances instead of concentrating on political messaging.
“If you choose not to pay our lecturers, sisi comrades we are keeping quiet, and come 2027, we shall demonstrate through the ballot,” one of the student leaders warned.
The statement underscores the students' dissatisfaction with the administration's handling of university education and their intention to make the issue part of their electoral considerations.
The students maintained that their concerns should not be dismissed as political agitation, insisting that the disruption directly affects their academic progress, financial commitments and future career prospects.
Beyond missed lectures, the strike has raised concerns about the financial pressure facing university students who continue to incur accommodation, food, transport and other living expenses while academic activities remain disrupted.
The uncertainty has also complicated students' academic planning, leaving them unable to establish when their programmes will return to normal or how the interruption could affect their academic schedules.
The student leaders said they should not be left to bear the consequences of a dispute they did not create, urging the government and university lecturers to reach a lasting agreement.
Their concerns add to calls for the government to address the dispute and prevent further interruptions to learning in public universities.
Ruto urged to prioritise university education
The students also challenged President Ruto to reconsider his administration's priorities, suggesting that some people surrounding him could be contributing to the problems facing his government.
“Mr President, hii watu yako ya mkono ndio wanakuletea wewe shida,” one of the student leaders said, blaming people close to the Head of State for some of the difficulties facing his administration.
They further called for fairness in the treatment of university students, arguing that the government's commitment to equality should begin with addressing the challenges affecting institutions of higher learning.
“Kama usawa ni sawa, wacha ianze na comrades,” the student added.
The leaders said resolving the lecturers' dispute would be an important step towards restoring confidence in the university system and ensuring students can continue their studies without prolonged interruptions.
The students' warning comes amid concerns over the effects of lecturers' industrial action on teaching, learning and the timely completion of university programmes.
They want the government to urgently address lecturers' demands, facilitate a lasting agreement and restore normal academic activities.
For the students, the message to the administration is clear: Political campaigns cannot replace functioning universities, and the handling of the strike could influence their choices when Kenyans return to the ballot in 2027.
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