By Joel Clinton
A cloud of fear and intimidation now hangs over The Kisumu National Polytechnic as allegations of corruption and mismanagement lead to a bitter power struggle between truth and authority. What began as a bold stand by student leaders exposing misuse of funds has turned into a campaign of harassment and retaliation, allegedly orchestrated by Madam Catherine Kelonye, the institution’s principal.
According to several student representatives, Madam Kelonye has used intimidation tactics through Mr. Ferdinand Ong’ayo, a former police officer from Kondele Police Station, to silence those who dared to question her leadership. The same student leaders who demanded transparency and accountability now face threats and restrictions on campus.
During a previous meeting with the Ministry of Education and the County Commissioner, everyone agreed that there would be no victimization or intimidation of student leaders. Yet, recent events suggest that this promise has been blatantly violated. The administration’s latest actions reveal not only defiance of authority but also a deep fear of exposure.
It has now been one month since the government investigation into corruption at the institution concluded, but the report remains hidden. Students and staff are asking: What is being concealed? Why the silence?
Instead of openness, management has chosen coercion. Students who stood for truth now walk the halls in fear, monitored closely by those loyal to power. The Polytechnic, once a hub of learning and innovation, has turned into a battleground where integrity struggles against manipulation.
But amid the fear, voices of resistance remain firm. “We will not be silenced,” Silas Adem,one student leader declared. “We spoke for the future of every honest learner. This fight is bigger than us; it’s about justice.”
The call is now loud and clear: the Ministry of Education and County leadership must act. The investigation report must be released, and the safety of student leaders must be guaranteed. Justice delayed is justice denied, and the truth, no matter how long it takes, will always prevail.
