Maseno University — Derick Odhengo, a law student at Maseno University, has been sworn in as the People’s President of the Students Organisation of Maseno University (SOMU) in a parallel inauguration that coincided with the swearing-in of the Students Council led by Philian Onyango.


Odhengo’s inauguration ceremony commenced at 11:30 a.m. at Kisumu Hotel, where he took an oath pledging to champion alternative leadership, defend fellow students and challenge injustices within the university administration.


Meanwhile, Philian Onyango, a Political Science student, and other student leaders were sworn into office at Graduation Square, marking two separate inauguration events that underscored divisions in the university’s student leadership.


In his inaugural statement, Odhengo described his presidency as a revolutionary commitment rather than a position of privilege. He pledged to remain accountable to students, challenge excesses of power and question decisions he considers unjust.


Addressing his supporters as “comrades,” Odhengo urged students to persevere through the two semesters ahead, acknowledging that they might have to contend with leadership they did not support.


He further called on students to remain vigilant, insisting that their voices, principles and collective struggle should not be abandoned. According to his statement, the responsibility of student leadership extends beyond pleasing those in authority to ensuring accountability to the student population.


“Our duty is not to please the regime, but to hold it accountable to the people,” Odhengo declared in his inaugural message.


His remarks signalled his intention to position his presidency as an alternative platform for student representation, with emphasis on accountability, justice and the protection of students’ interests.


The parallel ceremonies have placed the spotlight on competing claims to student leadership at the university, although the circumstances surrounding the two inaugurations and their respective mandates remain subject to further clarification.


As the university community looks ahead to the two semesters, attention will likely focus on how the competing leadership positions shape student representation, governance and relations with the university administration.


Odhengo concluded his statement with the rallying cry, “Aluta Continua,” reaffirming his commitment to continue the struggle for what he described as accountable and people-centred leadership.