Boost for Raila as university dons support his presidential bid

The giant Universities Academic Staff Union has declared support for Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga in the August elections.

The Union brings together dons and university staff from all the 31 public universities in the country.

The lecturers under ‘Dons for Baba’ have vowed to drum up support for Raila in all the universities in the country.

They also vowed to volunteer as agents of the opposition leader on August 9.

Uasu boss Constantine Wesonga said the declaration is a culmination of a deep analysis of the candidates who have expressed interest to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We have decided the former Prime Minister is our own, can we go out and campaign,” Wesonga said.

“We really affirm our support realising that this 2022 elections can really make or break this country,” said Mary Mwangi from South Eastern Kenya University (Seku).

The over 100 dons spoke on Tuesday during a meeting with the ODM leader at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi’s upper hill.

They also called on Raila to ensure the lecturer’s wages are revised upwards once he takes over.

Wesonga decried the poor funding in public universities, saying there is an urgent need to increase it from the current 45 per cent to 85 per cent.     BY THE STAR