Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) University of Nairobi Secretary General Dr Maloba Wekesa has expressed concerns over the suspension of Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama.
“The media announcements made by the UoN Council and purported student leaders are very disturbing,” stated Wekesa recently, highlighting several key issues given that the university is currently on recess.
He mentioned that the recess period is when the university is closed and students are not present on campus. The absence of students suggests that someone deliberately organized them to make a political statement.
“The current students leadership UNSA, has not weighed in and the purported student leaders are former leaders at best,” he said.
He added the deployment of police into the university on recess is an affront to the academy.
Wekesa further highlighted that the university should be a hub for free speech and intellectual discussion, rather than a “circus.”
He criticized Prof Amukowa Anangwe, (UoN) Council Chair, for his ineffective leadership, claiming that he is being swayed by Brian Ouma, who was controversially appointed as Chief Operations Officer (COO).
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On Friday, VC Kiama was suspended for three months. The University Governing Council imposed the suspension on Prof Kiama with immediate effect, leading to renewed conflict with the beleaguered university leader. In its decision, the council appointed Margaret Jesang Hutchinson as the acting vice-chancellor.
Plans are underway to bring the issue before the courts. The recent developments occurred on August 2, according to Prof Amukowa Anangwe, the chairman of the varsity’s council.
“During the council meeting on Friday, August 2, 2024, we resolved to suspend Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama for three months, pending ongoing investigations into his conduct, including allegations of misconduct and insubordination. The council also decided to undertake disciplinary action on issues of insubordination and gross misconduct. While Prof Kiama is on suspension, all staff and students are instructed not to engage with him on official university matters,” said Prof Anangwe.
Anangwe stated that Kiama had not taken the 60-day leave required by the council, and any further delay could result in complications and compromise the integrity of the leave management system.
“It should be noted that this matter is being handled differently, previously he had been granted a 60-day leave. However, he refused to take it. According to his contract, he should not accrue more than 90 leave days over the duration of the contract, but he has exceeded this limit. So he should note that this is different,” said Anangwe.
He mentioned that the body’s agenda also involved evaluating Prof. Kiama’s request for a second term, which was submitted on July 4, 2024. He observed that the council determined the request was inadequately communicated and did not fulfill the required standards for consideration of a second term.
“Previously, we had another request that expired before we could consider it due to unforeseen circumstances. Today, we reviewed Professor Kiama’s request and determined that it was not validly communicated and did not meet the necessary standards. Consequently, it does not qualify for a review or consideration by the council,” Prof Anangwe said.
“The council encountered difficulties accessing the chambers on the 19th floor, as they had been blocked by the Vice Chancellor. We had to enlist the help of security to gain entry, and we were ultimately successful in resolving the issue.”
This follows a two-month period in which the university demanded the removal of the contested Prof. Kiama, amid several weeks of court-ordered delays on filling vacant positions. During this time, Anangwe had appointed Professor Njoroge Gitau to serve as the interim Vice Chancellor.
“Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau shall continue to serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor, with the full authority of the Council to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to the position,” a statement issued on Wednesday, May 22, reads in part.
Prof Kiama arrived at work the next day, only to find police officers in his office. He spoke with the police commander, who informed him that they had been instructed not to permit him entry.
By Frank Mugwe
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