Daystar University has declined a controversial deal that was started by President William Ruto’s wife Rachel Ruto. The move which comes after public uproar serves as a major blow for the First Lady who was the mastermind behind the iconic deal. The university pulled out of a partnership with Israel after heavy criticism from the public.
The deal which Mama Rachel Ruto played a key role in initiating involved planting 5,000 indigenous trees on the university’s grounds. Many Kenyans opposed the agreement, linking it to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on December 16 by the university’s Vice Chancellor, Laban Ayiro, and Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, Michael Lotem.
While the project, named “Zion Forest,” was meant to create a green space, critics felt it indirectly endorsed Israel’s role in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Public demand and outcry pushed the university to reconsider its position. Vice Chancellor Ayiro later clarified to the public that the institution did not support any form of violence or conflict.
He stressed that Daystar stands for peace, the value of human life, and coexistence. Following these principles, the university decided to cancel the deal “due to public demand,” and therefore distancing itself from the controversy surrounding the Middle East conflict despite being initiated by the First Lady.
This move shows how Daystar is committed to its values and its sensitivity to public concerns. By ending the agreement, the institution reinforced its dedication to promoting ethical practices and maintaining trust within the community