A Rongo University student who was expected to graduate reportedly attended the institution’s graduation ceremony despite her name being absent from the official list, allegedly wearing a borrowed gown in an attempt to convince her family that she had completed her studies.
Mercy Chelang’at arrived at the graduation ceremony wearing a gown belonging to her coursemate, despite reportedly not being among the students scheduled to graduate.
Accounts from people familiar with the incident indicate that her absence from the graduation list was linked to outstanding academic and administrative requirements. She was reportedly facing fee arrears of nearly KSh80,000 and had also missed some examinations, leaving her unable to fulfill all the requirements for graduation.
Her family had travelled from Kericho expecting to witness her receive her certificate. Relatives had reportedly made travel arrangements and set aside time for what they believed would be an important family milestone.
However, when Chelang’at’s name failed to appear on the official graduation list, the situation reportedly took an unexpected turn.
According to witnesses, she had obtained her coursemate Brian’s graduation gown during a photoshoot the night before the ceremony. She allegedly kept the gown and later became difficult to reach after Brian realized it was missing.
Brian reportedly searched for the gown throughout the night, continuing until about 3 a.m. His search eventually led him to Chelang’at on the day of the ceremony, where she was with her relatives.
Witnesses said Brian confronted the situation publicly and referred to the official graduation booklet, pointing out that Chelang’at’s name was not included among the graduating students.
The revelation reportedly left her relatives shocked and distressed. Her sister was said to have fallen to her knees in disbelief after learning what had happened.
The family reportedly abandoned the celebrations and left the venue shortly afterward, with witnesses describing the group as walking away quietly following the incident.