The current Kenyatta University Student’s President, Mr Ayika Joshua, has been trending for what most would call ‘the wrong reasons.’ The passionate student leader has been on the spot for allegedly inciting the University’s students to boycott classes until their demands are met, adding that students who attend classes should do so at their own risk.
In a memo dated 6th October, he states his irreducible minimum championing for extended fee payment deadline, voluntary use of the flyover at the Thika superhighway, recalling of petty suspended students, scraping off of supplementary fee, reinstatement of laid-off casual workers and reduction of the graduation fee. Ayika is also championing for the impeachment of the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Paul K. Wainaina on claims of totalitarianism using the #WainainaMustGo.
As his Twitter bio reads, Ayika is a ruthless and unapologetic social justice defender, a legal student of a great penchant to the rule of law and a political dreamer with uncompromised integrity. His commands are unyielding, and he remains unbothered despite the online trolling under the #AyikaTheInciter. Shortly after his release from custody on October 7th, Ayika terms the demonstration as a ‘noble task’ and thanks comrades who partook in the strike and rolls out another memo asking students to head out for another ‘peaceful demonstration.’
Ayika’s Twitter timeline is a revolutionary wall, extolling comrades for their participation in demonstrations, asking comrades to fight for their rights and sticking by his words. Kenyatta University was closed indefinitely on 8th October following the student’s demonstration which led to the disruption of school activities and destruction of property. Ayika trashed the institution’s memo from the VC’s office, pointing out Prof. Wainaina’s incompetency shown by asking the students to vacate the campus’ premises at night.
Joshua Ayika’s fixation on the VC’s impeachment has raised concern from onlookers, many wondering whether the leader’s intentions are pure and for the students or for selfish interests, stunts to say. In screenshots posted on Saturday, Ayika shares a conversation between him and the VC’s Personal Assistant requesting him to meet the Vice-Chancellor to talk about the student’s problems. The PA even goes to the extent of offering Ayika a Kshs 10M bribe and asking him to pick a location for the 10-minute meeting. The screenshots are, however, allegedly forged. According to some online influencers, Ayika is an academic dwarf who does not deserve to lead students. As read on Cyprian Nyakundi’s blog, the VC is allegedly linked to the social media campaign aimed at maligning the name of Ayika under the #AyikatheInciter. However, others have come to Ayika’s support claiming that the rest do not understand the plight of Kenyan University students and that he is vibrant and passionate about the student’s welfare.
Whether it is for personal gains or the benefits of the student fraternity at large, time will tell.
