BUNGOMA, Kenya – A wave of anger and disbelief has erupted among students, activists, and civil society leaders in Bungoma County following a controversial High Court ruling allowing the auction of assets belonging to Matili Technical Institute, a move that threatens the education of over 10,000 students.
The ruling, delivered yesterday by Bungoma High Court Judge Lady Justice Rose Ougo, dismissed an application by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to halt the auction. The court’s decision effectively permits a private developer to seize and auction the institute’s property to recover a disputed debt.
The developer, Ramagon Construction Company, has been at the center of a legal battle with the institute. The EACC, through its lawyer Ronald Kibet, told the court that Ramagon fraudulently sought payment for a debt it had already received in full back in 2017. The Commission named Abdi Barre Abdi, Hassan Bare Abdi, and Nagenye Mohamud Dahir as the directors behind the firm, stating that investigations had uncovered a scheme to defraud the public institution.
“The debt in question is non-existent. It is a product of a calculated fraud, and we intend to press criminal charges against the contractors involved,” Kibet told the court. Despite these claims, Justice Ougo ruled against the EACC’s request, clearing the way for the auction of critical learning equipment, including training tools, electronic devices, generators, and even food supplies.
The auctioneer’s proclamation notice expired on Thursday, triggering the court-sanctioned seizure.
Students React With Fury
At a press briefing held at the Matili Institute grounds, student leader Tom Masibo condemned the ruling, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and a direct threat to their academic future.
“Today’s court decision clearly highlights significant injustices within our judiciary system,” Masibo said. “It is unethical and goes against the rule of law. This is a national institution serving learners across Kenya, and over 10,000 students will suffer because of this ruling.”
Masibo also praised Principal Judith Sande for her leadership, saying she has worked closely with the Ministry of Education, the county government, and other stakeholders to elevate the institution’s profile.
“President William Ruto, during his last visit to Bungoma, pledged to upgrade Matili to a national technical training institute. This court decision is a step backward. We need government support—not destruction by rogue contractors,” he added.
Fellow student Michael Chebukati issued a stern warning to Ramagon Construction and the auctioneer.
“We will not sit back and watch our institution destroyed. We won’t allow the auctioneer access to our school. It will be messy,” Chebukati said.
Students revealed that Ramagon has already auctioned several vehicles used for driving instruction courses, deepening the crisis at the institute.
Lusaka Rolls Out Free Fortified Porridge Program for Over 90,000 ECDE Learners in Bungoma
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has officially launched a landmark Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) feeding program that will see 90,750…
Civil Society Weighs In
Civil rights activist Albert Wamalwa echoed the students’ frustrations, urging the national government to intervene urgently to prevent further disruption of learning.
“This is not just any institution; it’s a national one. Thousands depend on it for skills and training. The government must act fast,” Wamalwa stated. “Even if the court found that there is a debt, they must also seriously consider the EACC’s findings before enforcing such drastic actions.”
Wamalwa called on the judiciary to ensure that due diligence is conducted and that institutions are protected from undue harassment stemming from fraudulent claims.
The EACC has indicated that criminal charges against the directors of Ramagon Construction will follow upon the conclusion of their investigations.
As the community rallies to save Matili Technical Institute, pressure is mounting on both the judiciary and the executive arm of government to uphold justice and secure the future of thousands of students.
About The Author
