A University of Eldoret lecturer has sparked debate after appearing to tell students that those who do not support President William Ruto’s re-election should consider studying at universities in their home regions if he loses the 2027 election.
In a video circulating on social media, the lecturer is heard challenging students who referred to Ruto as a potential one-term president. He insisted that the President would seek a second term and argued that students should not expect to return to the University of Eldoret if their prediction came true.
The lecturer went further, making regional references while addressing the students. He suggested that students from Mount Kenya could study in universities within the region, while those from Western Kenya could similarly pursue their education there.
The remarks have generated reactions online, with some Kenyans accusing the lecturer of introducing ethnic and political divisions into an academic environment. Others, however, interpreted the exchange as part of a broader political discussion between the lecturer and students.
The incident comes as political activity and debate intensify ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election. University students, who form a significant segment of the country’s young voting population, have increasingly become part of conversations surrounding leadership, governance and political accountability.
A recent governance and anti-corruption forum involving University of Eldoret students encouraged them to take an active interest in governance and make informed electoral choices based on candidates’ integrity, track records and qualifications.
The University of Eldoret had not issued an official statement concerning the lecturer’s remarks at the time of reporting.