The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has lodged a petition in the High Court to contest Kibabii University’s intention to confer an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka.

COFEK Secretary General Stephen Mutoro said the petition questions whether the honour is an independent academic award or a benefit linked to Lusaka’s status as a sitting governor.

The federation also seeks clarification on whether the university adhered to Commission for University Education (CUE) guidelines that require an objective and fair selection process for honorary degrees.

High Court Justice Emily Ominde certified the matter as urgent, ordering the petition to be served on the respondents within three days and giving them five days to file a response.

Kibabii University had scheduled the honorary degree ceremony for 20 November 2026, during its 11th graduation ceremony, with a mention of the award slated for 12 November.

The university’s statement says the award recognises Lusaka’s contributions to public service, devolved governance, education, institutional development and environmental conservation, noting his support for the university’s charter in 2015 and the development of a new Bachelor of Cooperative and Entrepreneurship Management programme.

COFEK clarified that its objection is not against recognising leaders but concerns the timing, process and relationship surrounding the proposed honorary degree.