The government has invalidated the election of officials for the Medical Students Association of Kenya, citing breaches of their constitution. Senior State Counsel Felix Mukuvi at the Registrar of Societies nullified the elections conducted on October 27 last year.
According to Mukuvi, the elections were conducted in contravention of Article 7 of the association’s constitution. Notably, two of the elected officials, Andrew Were and John Kibet, are not medical students.
“We find that the elections of the society were not conducted in accordance with the constitution of the society in force then, and the same is hereby nullified,” stated Mukuvi in a letter addressed to Zebedee Motanya and Maria Murugi, representing the students’ association and the Association of Kenyatta University Medicine Students, respectively.
The government’s decision follows a complaint lodged by Murugi on March 8, alleging irregularities and seeking the nullification of the elections. She contested the validity of the general meeting held in October 2023, arguing it did not comply with constitutional requirements, including the absence of a majority of current presidents of medical schools and the eligibility of Were and Kibet.
In response, the Msake executive board raised concerns over alleged misuse of its logo and advised the public and donors to verify with their office before engaging with the disputed office holders.
Mukuvi’s investigation confirmed that the constitution had been violated and affirmed that Were and Kibet were ineligible candidates at the time of the elections.
“During the election held on October 27, 2023, Were and Kibet did not qualify as members of the society, as the constitution then in force did not provide for Alumni Membership, rendering their election null and void,” clarified Mukuvi.
Additionally, Kibet acknowledged during a consultative meeting on June 10, 2024, that he is no longer a student and is already practicing as a doctor.
Consequently, Mukuvi concluded that the current executive committee of the society does not conform to the constitutional requirements.
In response to the government’s findings, Msake reiterated its commitment to promoting the welfare and interests of medical students across Kenya. The association emphasized its dedication to accountability, transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct in organizational affairs.
“We condemn abuse of power, obstruction of justice, identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and misappropriation of funds during service in any organization,” stated the Association.
Msake further affirmed its goals of fostering collaboration among medical students, nurturing leadership qualities, and advocating for an innovative and progressive medical education system in the country.
