Mount Kenya University in Thika
THE sweltering sun rays threw an endless glare at the site of the ceremony, but the huge crowd-the biggest ever witnessed in Kenya in recent times, was determined to remain in attendance without any strand of their hair being shaken.
The heat of the sun would not keep the curious and attentive crowd at bay.
People of all walks of life braved the sun´s biting rays to the logical conclusion of the all-important event.
It was a big day indeed for retired Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi who was the recipient of a honorary doctorate at the Mount Kenya University (MKU).
It was also a big day for the MKU itself, staff and students; the institutions chairman Simon Gicharu, the local community and the education fraternity.
Yes, it was a ceremony to behold!
Most of Kenya´s crème de la crème in the education industry availed itself at the university located in Thika town-Central Kenya.
What a great and lovely day!
No doubt, intellectual Gicharu-looking composed, elegant and vivacious, was in one of his happiest moods in life.
Sited besides the retired President Moi, Gicharu-now a household name for starting the Mount Kenya University from humble beginnings, was the face of the much-talked-about institution and its history, and needless to say, the solace in people’s hearts over his legacy that is bound to live on for generations to come.
And before the ceremony kicked off, an elated Gicharu was seen engaged in a palatable tète a tète with the equally jovial Moi.
The two cracked intermittent jokes in the course of their private conversation at the guests stand, and occasionally burst out laughing in fresh outbursts of mirth as the sun shone overhead.
It was also one of the best moments for Moi as he was the one who was being honored.
Another significant aspect of the event was that Gicharu came face to face with Moi who, during his protracted 24- year reign, wielded stupendous political power and influence.
The colorful Mount Kenya Rover was later to scream: “GICHARU MEETS MOI”
Like Gicharu, Moi is a believer in the aphorism that Education is the Recipe for Success.
It is the foundation upon which the country develops and on the strength of this, it should be enhanced at all costs.
To many a staff and students of MKU, it was like a dream come true when they staged a massive graduation ceremony.
Even old universities were surprised how a young university such as MKU could out do them in organizing a world-class graduation ceremony.
The highlight of the day was the conferment of a honorary doctorate to former President Moi by the Chancellor, Prof Victoria Wulsin.
The former President accepted the award and commended MKU for the giant strides it had made in joining elite universities.
Among guest dignitaries present included: Permanent Secretary, Prof Crispus Kiamba, who represented Dr. Sally Kosgei, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, former First Lady, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, Higher Education Loan Board CEO, Mr. Benjamin Cheboi, former Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor, Prof George Eshiwani, Thika Mayor, Councilor Johnstone Muriuki, chairmen of and vice-chancellors of various universities, businessmen and thousands of parents, guardians and well wishers from both Kenya and foreign countries from where MKU draws its students and staff.
Also present at the lively ceremony was Gicharu’s beloved wife Mrs Jane Gathoni. Behind every successful man is a woman, so the saying goes.
Those invited but could not make it to the event sent apologies to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Stanley Waudo.
The congregation which numbered about 10,000, braved the scotching sun to keep abreast with the proceedings of the ceremony and were not disappointed.
Apart from listening to nicely packaged and delivered speeches, they were also treated to heart-rending melodies by various groups which included: Kayamba Africa, Kabarak University Choir, Daystar University Choir, Municipal Council of Thika, Prisons Band, Mount Kenya University Choir, among others.
Those honored by Mount Kenya University for their contributions to the country included: Joseph M.Nthenge, the GSU cop who used diplomacy to stop destruction of property by a group of rioters during the post-election violence in January 2008 in Nairobi, Municipal Council of Thika for the services and facilities it has improved in Thika, the home of Mount Kenya University.
Also not to be left behind was Mr. Vimal Shah, the CEO, Bidco Limited, a man whose business acumen has created jobs (both directly and indirectly) to thousands of Kenyans and contributed immensely to Kenya´s economy.
At the end of it all, the university staff and students who had been anxious about the ceremony, congratulated themselves for the job well done and promised to make it even better next year.
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