Daystar University revokes deal with Israel after public backlash
Daystar University, Athi River Campus.
Daystar University has revoked a memorandum of understanding it inked Monday with the Israeli Embassy to establish a 'Zion Forest' at its premises.
This follows public backlash online over the optics of the deal given the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas over the last 14 months, which has seen more than 45,000 Palestinians killed.
Revocation of the deal was announced by Vice Chancellor Prof Laban Ayiro, who stated: “We are not in any way supporting the ongoing humanitarian conflict in the Middle East. Daystar University esteems the sanctity of life and advocates for the peaceful co-existence of humanity."
While announcing the agreement, Prof Ayiro said it would enhance the university’s green spaces by planting 5,000 Biblical species of trees at its Athi River Main Campus.
“The Zion Forest will serve as a symbol of friendship and collaboration between Israel and Kenya, highlighting the commitment of both nations to environmental sustainability and educational advancement,” said Prof Ayiro at the time.
His social media post on X announcing the deal has since been taken down, but the Israeli Embassy's tweet still remains. It also shows the involvement of First Lady Rachel Ruto in the tree planting plan.
Following the announcement, Kenyans online — including former students of the university — launched a petition calling for revocation of the MoU.
“Prof Laban Ayiro, what a way to ruin an illustrious career into disgrace?” posted activist Al Amin Kimathi.
“I just signed a petition to stop Daystar University's MOU with the Embassy of Israel in Kenya. Palestinians are as human as we are!,” wrote @JarelTheArtist.
However, others supported the action by the university.
“Your enemies can't be my enemies. Daystar University is one of the distinguished universities in Kenya that forges for academic excellence. And it within its mandate to collaborate with international partners to spearhead its unfolded potential. Kenya has its own problems,” a user tweeted through the handle @PepeDanson.
