Magoha Snubs Kenyatta University VC After Uhuru Roasts Him In Public

Education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha has agreed with the government's justification in claiming the Kenyatta University land which ignited a tussle between the University Council and President Uhuru Kenyatta and led Prof Paul Wainaina out of his position as Vice-Chancellor.

Speaking at Pumwani Boys High school in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 13, Magoha was clear that all public land across the country belongs to the government, even land that hosts public institutions such as schools.

The CS, turning to Wainaina, added that he would have resigned if he was in his position in the event that a decision by the government did not sit well with him.

“The government owns everything and if by the wisdom of the government which is headed by the President who works with cabinet ministers including the deputy president, pronounces itself in a manner that you feel repugnant to you as a person, the most honourable thing is to walk away.

“The government may decide that this school, the site is good for a nuclear facility, once it passes through the cabinet, who do you think you are that you are going to say you are not going to follow,” he said.

Magoha then declared his loyalty to President Uhuru, noting that he will serve him till the end of his term in office. 

He further challenged those who might turn to him for his services to convince him that they will be granted the same opportunity he was given by the head of state.

At the same time, Magoha distanced himself from being blamed over the firing of his colleague.

“I respect my colleagues, we are different, but I am too proud. If I don’t agree with you, I just walk away but if I agree with you, we agree till death. For example, this president, I will serve him till death, which is about three weeks’ time.

“If somebody else wants my services, they will have to convince me that they will give me the same leeway that this president has given me to serve. You see me crowing and there's nothing that can be done?" he added.

Wainaina told the Kenyatta University staff on Tuesday, July 12 that his job was being scrutinised after the council had refused to give up the land for the World Health Organization (WHO) project. He had failed to surrender the title deed of a 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.

His remarks came after the President specifically dedicated the last weeks of his 10-year tenure to solving the land dispute with the urgency it deserves.

"Kenya is a respected member of the global community and we are recognized as a very strong supporter of multinational institutions. We led UN-Habitat and UNEP and that is why we want WHO here.