Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor sacked

Embattled Kenyatta University vice-chancellor Paul Wainaina has been sacked.

This is according to a memo sent to the university's staff and students by acting VC Waceke Wanjohi.

"Further to the earlier communication from Kenyatta University Council, I write to inform you that the council vide a letter to Prof (Paul) Wainaina, resolved to summarily dismiss him from service with effect from August 5, 2022," read Prof Waceke's memo dated August 15.

The memo further read: "Therefore any communication or instructions from him are null and void. I, therefore, request you to remain focused and ensure that the university continues to run smoothly without any disruption."

Waceke's letter comes just a day after Wainaina wrote a letter to staff and students asking them not to take orders from the current administration over claims that it is illegitimately in office.

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina was sacked by the institution's council effective August 5, 2022. [Esther Jeruto, standard]

Wainaina told them that the current university council chaired by Chrispus Kiamba is illegally constituted and could transact any business on behalf of the university.

The VC together with the previous council declined to excise 410 acres to the government after they were requested to submit the institution's title to the Lands ministry for excision.

The university management was required to cede 30 acres to the World Health Organisation Centre and another 10 acres to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The university was also required to cede 180 acres to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital and some 190 acres for resettlement of Kamae squatters.

The VC was suspended and placed under investigation on allegations of misconduct and insubordination. The previous council was disbanded and a new council was gazetted under the chairmanship of Prof Kiamba.

On Friday, the Environment and Lands Court allowed the government to hive off 410 acres belonging to the university.

Justice Oscar Angote dismissed the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) case challenging the takeover of the land saying that the KU Council was justified to allow the government to take the land.

"The court is satisfied that the re-planning process outlined in the government request was for the benefit of the university, the hospital and residents," ruled Justice Angote

But Wainaina has told KU staff and students that they have appealed the court's decision.

"The dismissal of the said case has been appealed under a certificate of urgency, even as we await verdicts in several other cases filed to seek redress. All I can say at this juncture is that justice will soon prevail," the letter reads in part.