Kenyatta University Council Picks VC Despite Court Orders

Wainaina stepped down from his role after refusing to give up part of the university land to the government for the World Health Organization (WHO) project.

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Aug 6, 2022 - 12:37
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Kenyatta University Council Picks VC Despite Court Orders
Entrance to Kenyatta University. /LINKEDIN

The Kenyatta University council named Waceke Wanjohi as the acting Vice Chancellor, despite orders by the Employment and Labour Relations Court reinstating the ousted Prof. Paul Wainaina.

KU Chairman of Council, Chrispus Kiamba revealed that Prof Wanjohi would take over the role until a permanent replacement was found.

He further appealed to students and staff to support her as she ensures continued stability in terms of operations at the university.

Newly-appointed Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor, Prof Waceke Wanjohi. /FILE

“The attention of the university community is drawn to a decision by the Hon. Justice Gakeri of the Employment and Labour Court in Nairobi on 4th August 2022 where the court dismissed an application by Prof. Paul Wainaina for injunctive orders.

"Arising from the above developments, the Council has resolved that Prof Waceke Wanjohi continues as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University until further notice," he stated on Friday, August 5.

Prof. Waceke is a leading African scientist with over 20 years of experience as a researcher in Plant Nematology and Pathology. She has taught Nematology for decades and her works have been published internationally.

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Plant Nematology and Pathology from Kenyatta University.

She is one of the founders of the Nematology Initiative of East and Southern Africa. From 2008 to 2011, she served as a mentor and fellow at the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) and in 2011, was recognised by Germany over the study of worms.

Prof Wanjohi is also the co-founder of Neema Hospital in Nairobi.

Wainaina stepped down from his role after refusing to give up part of the university land to the government for the World Health Organization (WHO) project.

Justice Jacob Gakeri on Tuesday, July 26 issued the order that temporarily blocked the suspension of Wainaina. He further directed the matter to be placed before any judge on Thursday, July 28 for parties hearing.

"That pending the hearing and determination of this Application inter-partes, this Honourable Court be pleased to issue a temporary order suspending the implementation of the decision contained in the letter dated July 12, 2022, by Professor Crispus Kiamba in suspending, terminating and/or dismissing the Petitioner from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, rendering his position vacant and/or revoking his salary," the judge ruled.

Wainaina's lawyer Manwa Hosea had asked the court to issue a conservatory order suspending the decision as per the July 12 letter by Professor Crispus Kiamba that replaced Wainaina with Prof Waceke Wanjohi as the VC in an acting capacity.

Hosea further urged the court to suspend an advertisement for the position of Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor as well as the implementation of the decision by the new university council to suspend Wainaina over alleged gross misconduct and insubordination.

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina. /NAIROBI NEWS

The professor had failed to surrender the title deed of land belonging to Kenyatta University to the WHO, which is setting up a Ksh600 million emergency hub to cater for its regional operations. 

He defended by arguing that the university was not consulted during the plans to set up the facility on the land.

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