Despite the speculation surrounding a possible Senate contest between the two men in 2029, the homecoming event created an atmosphere where political rivalry appeared secondary to school pride
GBARNGA, Bong County — Two potential rivals in Bong County’s anticipated 2029 senatorial election Saturday set aside the weight of politics to celebrate their shared educational roots during the homecoming program of William V. S. Tubman Gray High School in Gbarnga.
Incumbent Bong County Senator Prince Moye and former District Five Representative Edward Karfiah were among dozens of alumni who returned to the historic campus to participate in the institution’s annual Gray Homecoming celebration.
The event brought together former students from different generations to reconnect with classmates and honor the school that helped shape their early lives.
While the two men are widely viewed as likely contenders for the Bong County Senate seat in the 2029 election, their appearance side by side at the homecoming reflected a different tone — one rooted in shared memories rather than political competition.
Both men share a history with the institution. Senator Moye attended the school from 1997 to 1998 and served as Student Council President of during that year. Karfiah, meanwhile, studied at the same school from 1999 to 2000, making them part of overlapping generations of students who passed through the halls of one of Bong County’s most respected academic institutions.
Speaking during the gathering, Senator Moye said returning to the campus reminded him of the formative experiences that shaped his character long before he entered public service
Their reunion at the homecoming celebration became one of the highlights of the event as alumni applauded the two public figures for placing their alma mater above political differences.
Moye, who currently represents Bong County in the Liberian Senate, has had a long legislative career in the county. He was first elected Representative in 2011 before winning a second term in 2017. Although his second six-year term in the House of Representatives had not concluded, he contested the 2020 senatorial election and won, serving three years of that second representative term before transitioning to the Senate. By the time the 2029 election arrives, Moye will have spent approximately 18 years serving Bong County as a lawmaker.
Karfiah has also maintained a visible presence in Bong County politics. He first won election as Representative of District Five in 2011 and secured re-election in 2017. After completing his second term in 2023, he opted not to seek another term but instead contested the senatorial race. In that contest, he suffered a surprising defeat to relatively lesser-known businessman Johnny Kpehe.
Despite the speculation surrounding a possible Senate contest between the two men in 2029, the homecoming event created an atmosphere where political rivalry appeared secondary to school pride.
Speaking during the gathering, Senator Moye said returning to the campus reminded him of the formative experiences that shaped his character long before he entered public service.
“Coming back here reminds me that before we were politicians, we were students sitting in these same classrooms, sharing the same dreams and challenges,” Senator Moye said. “This school played a defining role in shaping who we are today. The friendships, discipline, and sense of responsibility we learned here remain with us throughout our lives.”
Senator Moye added that rumors of future political contests should not overshadow the deeper bonds shared among alumni.
“Politics will always come and go, but the bond we share as alumni of this great institution is permanent,” he said. “Edward Karfiah and I may find ourselves on different sides of a political contest someday, but today we stand together as sons of the same school, celebrating the legacy that shaped us.”
In a longer reflection delivered during the program, the senator emphasized that leadership must be grounded in humility and respect. “I believe moments like this are important for our young people to see,” Moye said. “They should understand that leadership is not only about winning elections. It is about relationships, shared history, and respect for the institutions that built us. Whether someone is a political ally or opponent, we must never forget our common roots. Tubman Gray is part of our identity, and no political ambition should ever overshadow that.”
He continued, “If the future brings political competition between Edward and me, it will be conducted with respect and dignity. But today is not about politics. Today is about honouring a school that moulded our lives and celebrating the friendships that began here decades ago.”
Karfiah also expressed similar sentiments, saying the homecoming offered an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and remember a period of life that shaped his outlook on service.
“It is a very special feeling to return here and see familiar faces after so many years,” Karfiah said. “This institution holds many memories for all of us. Walking through the campus brings back stories of our youth, the lessons we learned, and the dreams we carried as students.”
Edward Karfiah said the homecoming offered an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and remember a period of life that shaped his outlook on service
He said sharing the occasion with Senator Moye underscored the importance of maintaining unity beyond political divisions.
“We may walk different paths in public service, but the truth is that we both share the same foundation,” Karfiah added. “Tubman Gray gave us the education and discipline that prepared us for leadership. It is only right that we return here together to celebrate that heritage.”
Several former classmates attending the homecoming commended both men for demonstrating unity during the event.
One alumnus, who studied with Karfiah in 1999, said the moment represented an example of mature leadership. “It was refreshing to see both of them here together,” he said. “Politics often divides people, but this event reminded us that our shared experiences as students are stronger than any political rivalry.”
Another former classmate of Senator Moye described the scene as inspiring for younger generations attending the event. “Many students look up to them as leaders,” she said. “Seeing them laugh together and greet each other warmly shows that competition in politics does not have to mean hostility.”
For one day at least, the anticipated political rivalry between Moye and Karfiah was set aside, replaced by laughter, reflection, and a renewed appreciation for the school that first brought them together.
