Former KU chief Wainaina hopes for return to institution

Embattled Kenyatta University vice chancellor might just be on his way back to the institution.

This is after Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressed the land tussle, saying he was humiliated.

The KU council sacked Prof Paul Wainaina, according to a circular to all members of staff and students dated August 15.

Gachagua was speaking during the launch of induction of the CBC working party in Karen.

He promised the education stakeholders that the President William Ruto-led government would treat them with respect.

“Never will we go to an institution and dress down a teacher or a lecturer in front of students like what happened to Prof Wainaina,” Gachagua said.

He faulted Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime for what he termed as "undignified" treatment.

“Lecturers and teachers must be given their dignity and respect. Where there are issues, we shall call them in the privacy of our offices and discuss the issue,” he said.

Wainaina started by thanking President Ruto for appointing him to be part of the working party.

He was among 48 others appointed alongside a number of VCs, parastatal heads and teachers.

“Even with all the problems that I have, I thank the President for thinking that I have the experience to be in the task force,” Wainaina told the Star.

Wainaina, who was replaced by acting VC Waceke Wanjohi, said Ruto’s government understands that the issue was political.

The former VC now says the government of the day is fully on his side, and would ensure action is taken.

“This was a political situation and the new government understands that and they will ensure such does not happen again,” he said.

Even though he is not sure when he would be reinstated, he said he is glad Gachagua and Ruto support him.

“I may not have another chance but at least appointing me to this committee, I am happy that this government understands,” he said.

He added that the former regime has been dragging the court case.

“Those are the same people who have an interest in the court cases. It is only today (Wednesday) that a substantive issue is being addressed,” he said.

Wainaina thanked Gachagua for calling out the former government for what happened to him.

“Even after what I have gone through, the new government is still on my side. Whatever I said remains the truth and that is why I was sacked,” he said.

Just after Wainaina refused to cede the school land, he addressed the school staff, saying he might be sacked.

Wainaina was in tears as he addressed his staff at the school premises.

“This is the last day I am talking to you as a VC. I understand a new council is being formed to that effect,” he said.

Later, former President Kenyatta warned individuals who were part of the KU land tussle.

“I will go home with them in three weeks,” Uhuru said.

The head of public service Joseph Kinyua wrote to Wainaina ordering him to surrender the said parcel of land.

The said university land is to be excised as follows: 30 acres to WHO and 10 acres to Africa Centre for Disease Control and prevention.

Another 180 acres will go to Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital and 190 acres to facilitate the resolution of the Kamae settlement scheme.

Wanaina said the management of KU has been unconstitutionally and unlawfully  interfered with by Uhuru, Kinyua and Education CS Magoha in pursuit of an attempt to annex, alienate and expropriate the university land.

“The head of public service has no power to direct me or Kenyatta University council in the manner of conduct of the affair of KU, including but not limited to ownership and use of the university lands,” he said.

Wainaina was replaced by Wanjohi.

The university also has a new council chaired by Prof Crispus Kiamba, with Jane Wamoko, Carilus Odumbe, Major General (Rtd) Bashir Yussuf, Andrew Nyanchoga and Alice Muita as members.

The changes were made to make it possible for the transfer of the land in question to be effected.

(edited by Amol Awuor)