In a nation where many often choose silence over confrontation, a young graduate of Kabarak University, emerged as a symbol of courage and resilience when she fearlessly confronted Uasin Gishu County’s top officials over a contentious education airlift program.
Her audacious stance captured the attention of the nation, exposing the stark realities faced by students and parents who had pinned their hopes on a better future through education.
It was Monday, August 7th, when Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii orchestrated a gathering to address the growing discontent surrounding the Uasin Gishu education airlift program.
Parents and students had taken to the streets, expressing frustration at the program’s mismanagement and broken promises.
Amid this gathering, a young girl named Mercy Tarus took the stage, capturing the hearts of Kenyan observers with her unapologetic and powerful words.
As a hairdresser and weekend vendor of porridge and mandazi, Tarus stood before the officials and asked a question that resonated deeply: “If I go to a bank, even if it were you, would you give me money? This is highway robbery in broad daylight. You are stealing from us and using the government.”
Her words cut through the air, challenging the leaders’ integrity and demanding accountability for their actions.
Tarus wasn’t merely venting her frustration; she was representing the dreams and aspirations of countless students and parents who felt cheated by the system they had placed their trust in.
Her parents had invested their hard-earned money into the controversial program, only to find their hopes shattered by the alleged misuse of power and resources.
A 2021 Kabarak University graduate, Tarus had an education that should have been a stepping stone to a brighter future.
She had even volunteered at a local school as a teacher.
Additionally, she had pursued a hairdressing course to supplement her income, showcasing her determination to overcome challenges. Beyond her courageous confrontation, Mercy Tarus also used her talents to raise awareness about mental health issues through her poetry.
Tarus had aspired to study at the Northern Lights College in Canada, envisioning a future where her education would open doors to a fulfilling career.
However, her plans were marred by delays attributed to geopolitical events in Russia and Ukraine, leaving her dreams deferred and her faith in the system shattered.
“That’s why I stated that they lie so much. In February they told us we would go in May but they have just been taking us on a ride,” the graduate, who is a teacher by profession stated.
Tarus, who lives in Uasin Gishu County, explained that her parents acquired a loan amounting to approximately Ksh900,000 to cover the contentious initiative, which ultimately left her deeply disheartened.
“This is highway robbery in broad daylight, they are robbing from us, and they are using the government to do it,” Tarus told the media, adding that parents were hopeful of their children flying to study in Finland and Canada.