University ordered to reinstate deputy VC

Labour Court in Nairobi has reinstated University of Nairobi Deputy Vice-Chancellor Madara Ogot (above). 

Justice Maureen Onyango has ruled that the university’s council members illegally and unfairly hounded Prof Ogot out of office by following orders of then acting Vice Chancellor Isaac Mbeche.

Acting on advice from Prof Mbeche, Ogot informed students and employees that the installation of Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama would not happen as the council had been disbanded.

The judge said there is no contest that Mbeche assigned Ogot to write an internal memo that Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha had revoked the appointment of the Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council and the members of the university council.

No valid reason

The judge said it was unfair for the same council members to sit as a disciplinary committee, knowing that they were subject to the memo.

“I therefore find that the termination of the appointment of the claimant was unfair and that he was maliciously singled out for punishment for no valid reason. I find that there was absolutely no reason to dismiss the claimant from his position as deputy vice chancellor or even to subject him to disciplinary action,” the judge ruled.

The judge ruled that since the university had not found a replacement for Ogot, he should resume his work immediately and with full benefits.

Prof Kiama said the university will act on the court's instruction.

The deputy vice chancellor was thrown out at the height of internal wars at the university over Kiama’s appointment and installation. He was accused of insubordination and acting without powers.