THE HIGHLY awaited Miss and Mr Mount Kenya University beauty pageant did not live up to its billing, with guest performers refusing to get on stage because of poor sound.

The expectant audience could not hide their disappointment when guest musicians including Uganda’s Dr Jose Chameleone, Riderman and Knowless refused to perform. Police had earlier ordered orgnisers to lower sound at the venue after midnight. The well attended event, took place at Gikondo Expo Grounds.

When Riderman hit the stage, he could not sing saying the sound was too low. It was the same story when Chameleone wanted to sing. Knowless did not even show up on the stage.

"We want our money back,” some fans in the audience started shouting. In the end, the highly anticipated performances did not take place but at least the winners were selected.

Francine Uwase, 20, a third year student of Commerce, and Patrick Muwanga Chouchou, 23, also a third year student of Information Communication Technology  were on Saturday crowned Miss and Mr Mount Kenya University 2014 respectively.

The two winners walked away with several prizes, including tuition fees for two semesters. They will also have a trip to Nairobi courtesy of RwandAir as well as free access to Sulfo Rwanda products for one year. 

The two winners also walked away with a cash prize of USD 1,000 each from the school and an iPad to facilitate them in their studies and work.

Speaking after being crowned, both winners promised to work hand-in-hand with the school management to promote the university’s image as well as advocate for the welfare of the students.

"Today is a great day for me. My immediate responsibility will be working with others to represent our school in different capacities and also work with fellow students to ensure there are no gaps between students and lecturers,” said Uwase who could not hide her excitement.

The two replace Jane Kayitesi and Patrice Baraka who were crowned Miss and Mr Mt Kenya University in 2012.

Lillian Umubera Umutesi and Ernest Mugiza were the first runners-up in the two categories respectively, taking home Rwf 450,000 each from Hunter Displays. They will also receive Sulfo Rwanda products for six months.

May Rose Tumimbag and Noel Kamanzi were crowned Miss and Mr Creativity. They received a cash prize of Rwf 200,000 from Inyange Industries and a package of Sulfo Rwanda products. They will enjoy the company’s products for two months.

Alice Malonga and Victor Iryayo were crowned Miss and Mr Photogenic while Lucy Kuria and Arnold Mutabazi were crowned Miss and Mr Popularity. They all received a package of Sulfo Rwanda Products.

The event started at 7:30 pm with MC’s Emalito and Sandra calling upon judges to take their respective positions. They later invited MKU dance troupe to entertain the crowd before calling on the contestants on stage.

The contestants were first taken through the catwalk where they modelled in different attires.

They were also subjected to a question and answer session as one of the means to test their intellect.  The Blessed Family, a group twelve dancers including young men and women staged a great performance to entertain the crowd with their unique dance style.  

During the event, a team of twelve staff of the newly launched MKU Royal FM, comprising of students, were unveiled to the audience.