- A Rongo University student who allegedly ran with her colleague’s gown opened up and dismissed the allegations in the viral video
- In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, she explained the cause of her actions and sought help to clear her school fee arrears
- The student raised concerns about fake accounts that have been opened to impersonate her despite the public apology
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Migori: A Rongo University student who reportedly ran away with her friend’s gown on the eve of graduation has apologised.
Source: Original
Mercy Chelangat spoke after a video emerged indicating that she took another graduand’s graduation gown during a shoot just hours before the ceremony, which took place on Friday, November 28.
Did Rongo University student fake own graduation?
Speaking exclusively with TUKO.co.ke, Chelangat, a communication and journalism student, claimed that she had borrowed the gown from Brian, but he later changed the story and publicly humiliated her.
According to the video, Brian told Chelangat’s family that she attended his photo shoot, took the gown, and disappeared.
He added that his efforts to reach her failed as her line was unreachable.
“I spoke with Brian and requested to use his gown. He is my coursemate. I do not know why the story changed, and I was not even given a chance to tell my side. I was surprised to be embarrassed after our agreement. I have been struggling with fear and emotional stress for a long time. I felt trapped, ashamed, and overwhelmed. Instead of asking for help, I let desperation mislead me. I am deeply sorry,” she calmly said.
During the incident, Chelangat’s sister was seen kneeling to plead with Brian to forgive them as others watched in disbelief.
Despite the pleas, Brian dismissed them and walked away. The woman said she had to explain to her parents what made her stage a fake graduation despite knowing that she was not on the list.
“After the humiliation, my parents became furious, but I went and explained myself to them. No celebration took place thereafter; people just parted ways,” she recounted.
Why was Mercy Chelangat not on graduation list?
Chelangat said her parents would not have understood why she missed graduation after spending four years at the university.
“My parents wouldn’t have understood why I missed graduation. They had waited for the day,” Chelangat stated. “I am not a bad person. I am just a young woman who broke under pressure. I take full responsibility and I am ready to make things right. I kindly ask for your understanding, prayers, and support as I try to rebuild and correct this situation.”
The 24‑year‑old from Kericho county revealed that she could not graduate with her colleagues since she had missed two exams and had a fee balance of KSh 79,750. Her parents, she explained, were unable to clear the bills.
“My parents are not well‑off, and that is why they didn’t complete my school fees. I used to pay around KSh 30,000 per semester, bit by bit. I am seeking support from compassionate Kenyans to help me so I can graduate next year. I am done with studies,” she added.
Source: Original
Further, she expressed concern over the emergence of multiple fake accounts using her name after the viral video.
Moi University student miss out on graduation
Elsewhere, a Moi University student, Perry Sharon, broke down after realising that she would miss the December 18 graduation ceremony due to misaligned units.
Sharon said all the units from her third year, second semester, vanished from her portal, which pushed her to seek help from the ICT department.
Moreover, when a second list of graduands was released, her name appeared but with a fee balance of KSh 7,000, an amount she claimed was not there before.
When Sharon sought clarification, she was reportedly dismissed and informed that she was supposed to pay even higher.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
