By John Mugendi
Chuka University Vice-Chancellor Erastus Njoka has resigned to vie for Tharaka Nithi gubernatorial seat in the August elections.
The don has been instrumental in transformation of the institution from a village polytechnic, substituent college under Egerton University and fully fledged university following award of charter during former President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure.
He has been the institution’s VC (CEO) from 2013 serving for nearly eight years in the position.
The motive behind his quest to unseat Governor Muthomi Njuki is to inject professionalism into the county leadership.
“I have resigned not because the VC seat is bad but because I want to go to my people (community) and serve them,” he said while announcing his resignation.
Perceived as Mr Njuki’s main challenger, the Professor of Animal Science says he will prioritize health and water for irrigation to beat hunger among others if elected the Governor.
He hopes to ride on his development track record at the institution to trounce the incumbent and other contestants.
He boasts of Sh7 billion science park with helpad, Sh1.6 billion administration block, Sh1.6 billion library and Sh1.3 billion male hostel among other developments that have transformed the face of the university.
Prof Njoka said the institution was not being owed any money and did not at any single time apply for any loan to support any project.
“I am leaving with my head high and proud of the work I have done. The University has never been involved in any misuse of funds and we have always had a good relationship with the neighbours,” he said.
He cited the Sh509 million Chuka University Nairobi town campus building as among those the varsity bought without single loan.
The don was last year grilled by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission over alleged falsification of academic documents but was later following probe vindicated.
While he remained cagey over the party he will vie on, sources close to him say he will likely go for party affiliated to ODM Leader Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition.
Mr Njuki recently joined Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance meaning he will battle it out for the party ticket with Senator Kithure Kindiki.
He appealed to youths to shun being used to cause chaos during electioneering time but be peace ambassadors.
He said Kenyans should keenly look at every politician’s development track in electing leaders of their choice.
“There is need for peaceful issue based campaigns and not public spat,” he said.
“The decision to take or not take handouts is yours but let that not influence your decision at the ballot. I know our people are wise and will not be led by their stomachs.”
Before taking over as the Principal of Chuka University College in 2008, Prof Njoka previously served as Egerton’s Faculty of Agriculture Dean (2001-2005) and Director of Eastern campus college between 2005-2008.
