Prof Mugenda with Prof Michieka (R) at a past event at KU
Kenyatta University Council has issued a statement directing the Vice-Chancellor to remain in office in spite the directions issued by the Employment and Labour Relations Court for Prof. Olive Mugenda to proceed on a six-month leave pending her retirement.
Activist Okiya Omtata had gone to the court seeking the termination of Prof. Mugenda’s term and a petition to invalidate the Kenyatta University Charter and Statutes in relation to the recruitment of the Vice- Chancellor.
The petition also sought to send the VC on leave and be replaced by a care taker committee during the recruitment process.
But the council, led by the Chairman Prof. Ratemo Michieka, said their legal council interpreted the court’s ruling as an advice not an order.
“The council is at a loss as to why the Court advised that the Vice-Chancellor should proceed on leave while the issue of her being replaced by a caretaker committee is pending hearing and determination,” said Michieka.
The council said they find the advice inappropriate given that the Vice-Chancellor is in office legally and she in the process of undertaking major projects and initiatives at the university that need her guidance and attention.
Under Prof. Magoha, Kenyatta University has rapidly expanded with plans underway to build a referral hospital and a shopping mall.
“Meanwhile the Council directs the Vice-Chancellor to remain in office and continue with her normal duties,” said the council.
