Prof Stephen Kiama, the embattled University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor has made new appointments that are likely to escalate the current turmoil at the premier higher education institution.
In a statement, Kiama said Prof Isaac Mbeche who had earlier been appointed to act as VC before the court revoked his appointment, will proceed to annual leave with effect from January 6.
Kiama also appointed Prof Madara Ogot to fill Mbeche’s position during his time on leave.
“Following the request by Prof. Isaac Meroka Mbeche, the Deputy Vice Chancellow (FPD), to proceed on annual leave with effect from January 6, 2020 and the same having been granted, Prof. Madara Ogot, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (RIE) was appointed to act in this position for the period Prof. Mbeche will be on leave,” reads the notice in part.
Kiama has also announced the appointment of Prof Julius Alexander Ogeng’o, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs) in an acting capacity “to allow for substantive filling of the position.”
Mbeche has since dismissed the appointments insisting Kiama did not have powers to make appointments.
The developments come a day after the Employment and Labour Relations Court suspended Education CS George Magoha’s directive to revoke Kiama’s appointment as VC.
Judge Maureen Onyango on Monday, January 20 ordered that Magoha’s directive to revoke Kiama’s appointment and name Mbeche as the acting VC be set aside until the matter is dispensed with.
The court order will be in force until February 5 when the case filed by Kiama through his lawyer Fred Ngatia will be determined.
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