CUEA 2026 Student Elections

By Brian Kweyu Mulindo, Chairperson Emeritus

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) concluded its 2026 Catholic University of Eastern Africa Students’ Organisation (CUEASO) elections, on Wednesday, October 14 ushering in a new team of student leaders following a competitive democratic process that culminated in the election of Mr. Marko Bajak as the new Student Council Chairperson. Marko Bajak makes history as the first international student to hold the university’s top student leadership position, succeeding Brian Kweyu Mulindo. Just like national elections, where citizens exercise their democratic right to elect leaders of their choice, CUEA students enjoy the opportunity to participate in a democratic process that allows them to choose representatives who will articulate their interests and concerns. The CUEASO electoral process begins with the declaration of elective positions as vacant after every one-year term. Interested candidates apply for the positions, undergo vetting and shortlisting, and subsequently embark on campaigns to persuade students to support their candidacies through manifestos, policy proposals and leadership agendas. Some candidates also form coalitions as part of their strategies to strengthen their chances of winning. The elections are conducted electronically (currently through the GlassBallot voting platform) allowing students to transparently and authentically cast their votes and determine the leaders who will represent them for the next academic year. On 9 October 2026, students went to the virtual ballot to elect their respective faculty and school representatives. The elections attracted competitive contests across the university, with successful candidates emerging to represent their constituencies in the Student Governing Council. The following candidates were elected to the various faculty and school leadership positions: Faculty of Law Chairperson: Melvin Lumbasi Vice Chairperson: Rachel Chinta Secretary: Cindy Nkatha Faculty of Education Chairperson: Job Beauttah Vice Chairperson: Winny Jerop Secretary: Russel Hobbes School of Business and Economics Chairperson: Emmanuel Muthiani Mwaniki Vice Chairperson: Sheila Munene Secretary: David Amani Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Chairperson: Ian Gichini Ndung’u Vice Chairperson: Ian Masinde Masinde Secretary: Naipanoi Faith Faculty of Theology Chairperson: Ddamulira John Kennedy Vice Chairperson: Kihiko Wachira Secretary: Zacharia Makol Centre for Social Justice and Ethics Chairperson: Redemta Mukeli Mutinda Vice Chairperson: Angela Katira Secretary: Hellen Mwende Institute of Canon Law Chairperson: Nyaoko Jude Vice Chairperson: Maria Amon Secretary: Angelina William Faculty of Science Chairperson: Gitau Trevor Kinuthia Vice Chairperson: Elsie Pendo Secretary: Faith Sheryl School of Nursing Chairperson: Phelis Mukui Vice Chairperson: Derrick Anyona Secretary: Lizzy Mukami Postgraduate Studies Chairperson: Khalayi Marvel Diana Vice Chairperson: Collins Sankale Secretary: Grace Kitheka Following the faculty and school elections, the elected delegates convened as a house to elect the university-wide Student Council leadership. On 14 October 2026, the elected delegates gathered to elect the new CUEASO Student Council, marking another significant milestone in the university’s student democratic process. Marko Bajak emerged victorious in the Chairpersonial race, making history as the first international student to become CUEA Student Council Chairperson. He succeeds Brian Kweyu Mulindo, who served as the 2025-2026 Chairperson. The other successful candidates are:Vice Chairperson: Japheth Kipchirchir, succeeding Sammy Marube, Secretary General: Jeremy Kalangi, succeeding Mike Kipkemei, Deputy Secretary General: Ednah Mukiri, succeeding Melissa Nyambura, Treasurer: Gregory Okoth Paul, succeeding Laurent Kimtai, Publicity Secretary: Faith Comfort-Khalayi, succeeding Steve Misango and International Students’ Representative: Mary Agout Deng, succeeding Chi Gael Sydney. The election of the new team ushers in a fresh chapter in CUEA student leadership, with the incoming officials expected to build on the achievements of their predecessors while addressing the evolving needs and expectations of the student community. The newly elected Student Council was sworn into office on 16 October 2026, after which the members immediately assumed their respective responsibilities. Following their swearing-in, the council will appoint committee members who will support the implementation of their programmes and activities. Both the Student Council and the Student Governing Council will serve for a period of one year. Their mandate is to represent students’ interests, articulate their concerns and strengthen communication between the student body and university management. The councils are expected to play a critical role in promoting student welfare, enhancing engagement with university administration and ensuring that students’ voices are considered in decisions affecting their academic and social experiences. As the outgoing leadership hands over to the incoming team, the transition presents an opportunity for continuity, institutional growth and renewed commitment to accountable student representation. The 2026 CUEASO elections demonstrated the importance of student participation in leadership and governance within institutions of higher learning. Beyond the competition for elective positions, the process provides students with an opportunity to exercise their democratic rights, evaluate leadership agendas and entrust their representatives with the responsibility of championing their collective interests. For the newly elected leaders, the victory marks the beginning of a year of service, responsibility and accountability. Their success will ultimately be measured not only by the promises made during campaigns but also by their ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for the students they represent. Upon their swearing in, attention now turns to the incoming council’s vision, priorities and commitment to strengthening student representation. The task ahead is clear: to unite the student community, work constructively with university management and ensure that the interests and welfare of CUEA students remain at the centre of their leadership.