Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi has extended the term of acting Moi University Vice-Chancellor Laban Ayiro for a further six months pending the appointment of a permanent VC.
Ayiro has been acting as the VC since September 2016 after replacing Prof Richard Mibey.
He was chosen ahead of Prof Daniel Tarus who was DVC in charge of finance and Prof Isaac Kimengi DVC in charge of academics.
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The latest move by Matiangi is likely to disappoint the allies of Deputy President William Ruto who include Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi who have been against his appointment at the helm of Moi University since last year.
The leaders had demanded Matiang’i to appoint a substantive VC for Moi University, based on merit, arguing that it was wrong to appoint a person in an acting capacity when the university council had concluded the process of recruiting a new Vice Chancellor.
They also argue that an "outsider" (Ayiro) has been appointed to the helm of the Eldoret-based university.
The leaders alleged that the Education CS and a powerful clique had pushed for the appointment of their preferred candidate stating that Prof. Kimengi, one of those interviewed for the position emerged top and should have been appointed permanently.
The three North Rift leaders were in September last year questioned for two hours over inciting remarks made against Ayiro's appointment as acting VC of Moi University.
The then late Interior CS Joseph Nkaissery had ordered the leaders to be questioned and threatened them with arrest if they failed to record the statements.
He said the leaders incited the public to protest against the university's management.