The University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama has trashed a communique directing him to go on leave.
In a statement Monday morning, the Vice Chancellor urged members of the university staff and students to ignore the directive, implying that he was still in office.
"My attention has been drawn to a communication which was circulated to all members of the staff and students on Friday 19th, April 2024 at 6:27 PM claiming that the vice chancellor had proceeded on leave," Kiama said.
"This matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension to both members of the staff and students. I call upon all members of the staff and students to ignore the communication."
The University of Nairobi council on Friday announced that it had sent VC Kiama on compulsory leave.
This followed the council meeting held on the same day.
Chairperson of the council Amukova Anangwe said the council has appointed Prof Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the acting Vice-Chancellor.
The council announced that Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering had been appointed to act as the Vice Chancellor effective Friday, April 19, 2024.
“The Council resolves that the Vice Chancellor prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi proceeds on leave effective April 19, 2024,” read the memo in part.
“The University fraternity is called upon to support Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as he discharges how new responsibility as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” the memo added.
The council did not communicate the reason for the decision.
