By Feddy Mwende, Peter Bishop & Blaise Gitonga.
Thousands of students that had brimmed the school pavilion grounds for the annual Fresher’s Night event on Friday night were not shy to show their dissatisfaction with how the much-hyped event was organized, finding fault with the Chuka University Student Association (CUSA) who were the organizers of the event.
In a statement released giving notice of the event, CUSA Secretary General Ivusa Derrick had seemingly assured an entertaining event, following successful preparations, but those who attended had contrary opinions and thoughts on how the whole event had turned out.
Gates were opened at 5:00 PM, with the event expected to run until 10:00pm but came to a conclusion at exactly 12:10 AM, after the main act of the night by the main artist Odi wa Murang’a who many had turned up to watch perform.
Through the event students were seen scattered at the University main grounds, away from the pavilion where the event was and definitely minding their own business for most part of the event.
This was attributed to the small stage size where the main events such as modelling, dance, rap and comedy performances were taking place.
Sadly, the stage size was not the only turn off and source of dismay among the many students who had attended the event and many other who arrived only to leave midway.
Rita, a first-year student thought the event was altogether boring since they were not able to get close view of the performances, yet the event was held in their honor.
“The event is “kinda” boring, it’s a fresher’s night yet us first years cannot even see the stage clearly nor get space near the podium. We can’t even see the stage and those performing. Next year they should at least consider raising the stage higher and making it bigger for all to get a clear view,” she said.
Mercy, a second-year student thought that CUSA should consider taking suggestions from students on what artist to invite for such nights in the future saying gengetone artists were now a cliché in school events.
“Next time they should get current and trending artist to grace the event. I am not saying that Odi wa Murang’a is a bad selection but next time they should get student views and preferences on who to perform in such nights.
According to other students who gave their dissatisfaction with the event, CUSA should consider erecting the stage on the field, where there is enough space for everyone to avoid straining the audience who grappled with standing on chairs and posts to have a look at the main activities at the pavilion dais.
Chris, a second year, held no hostage when it came to the main artists invited for the night event, saying Chuka University was lagging behind compared to other institutions in the region.
“Take for example Tharaka university college, a smaller institution compared to us, could reach out to more influential and recent artist like Ndovu yet we could only reach out for Odi who only performs for thirty minutes. Total disgrace and shame. I demand next time they bring Ruger (jokingly) to make up for this year and last year,” he said.
With a majority if not all of the students seeming to be overly unhappy and frustrated with how the event was managed by the relevant organizers, it is up to the said parties to either pull up their socks and improve or the annual occasion might lose its unmatched importance in the institution.
Cheptei Masika Eugine and Purity Waithera were crowned Mr and Miss Freshers respectively.
A lot is left to look forward to in the next event, with the hope that the organizers will improve to regain lost glory.
PHOTO: Courtesy
Very true,, am also a freshier but I was denied a chance of atleast two minutes to perform my talent,, it seemed lyk it was comrades' night instead of freshiers's coz comrades' perfomed much than freshiers,,, very much embarrassing