Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has two weeks probe reports that Daystar University is forcing it’s students to attend church services, that account for their final semester’s grades.
The CS appeared before the National Assembly on Wednesday to respond to questions about the matter. Nyali MP Mohammed Ali claimed that the institution was compelling students to attend the chapel services.
Ali said that by doing so, the institution was infringing the students’ constitutional rights as well as their freedom to worship.
In response, Machogu however noted that the school is founded on a Christian background and all students are made aware of the fact during admissions.
“The university argues that all the students are admitted with full knowledge that their university is a Christian institution with its own philosophy, ethos and core values.
“The university indicates that upon admission students sign a code of conduct by which they agree to abide by the university’s Christian values and commitment to participate in the university’s spiritual disciplines,” he explained.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed Machogu to send a team and probe the allegations.The findings will be table before the National Assembly’s Education Committee in two weeks.
FORCING STUDENTS TO ADHERE TO A FAITH THEY DO NOT PRACTICE IS NOT EDUCATION. IT IS INDOCTRINATION.
I, today, asked Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ezekiel Machogu to respond to my questions touching on key unethical and dishonorable acts, currently entrenched in DAYSTAR… pic.twitter.com/2HDAQhueFp
— Mohammed Ali, HSC (@MohaJichoPevu) February 28, 2024
Meanwhile, the allegations have elicited mixed reactions among social media as captured below;
Lord Abraham Mutai: It’s 2024 and Daystar University is forcing MUSLIM students to attend CHURCH. Yes you heard that right, an institution of higher learning in Kenya is FORCING religion on students! Who runs these universities? It’s basic knowledge that you can’t force religion on anyone!”
Robert Alai; Why are leaders bullying Daystar University? Why? Daystar University and Strathmore University were built on Christian values and with the support and grounding of the church. It’s wrong for leaders to use the platform of parliament to force Daystar University to change. If you don’t want your children to attend church, why take them to Strathmore or Daystar when you know that they insist on the CHURCH FIRST? Why not take them to Umma University? This doesn’t seem right and should stop.”
Gerald Ngao: Funny thing there’s Umma University, and they practice the same as Christian Daystar University.Students have to follow Sharia law and go to the mosque. Why the double standards? Nobody was forced to go to Daystar. @MohaJichoPevu wacha ujinga!