University of Nairobi (UoN) students led by a section of their leaders have defended embattled Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Stephen Gitahi Kiama.
Speaking on May 27, the University of Nairobi Students Organization (UNSO) said Prof Kiama should not be sent on compulsory leave.
UNSO Secretary General Ramesh Saxena said the continued row between the VC and the Senate is affecting activities at the institution.
Saxena said the institution is facing many issues, but the country is not giving it the attention it deserves despite being the biggest learning institution in Kenya.
“UoN is the biggest public institution in our country, and we must not sit aside and let it lose its glory. It therefore pains us that we have all these problems at the institution, but no one really seems to give a voice of reason,” he said.
He revealed that students have previously been warned not to meddle in administrative or management issues.
However, the UNSO Secretary General vowed that the students will not stay aside and watch everything fall apart.
No Learning at University of Nairobi
Additionally, Saxena said the students are not being taught as the lecturers are confused about the institution’s management.
“Shall we keep quiet when we cannot get services for which we have paid. We will be silent when our students are not being taught because the lecturers are confused as to who is giving instructions,” he said.
“As student leaders we are saying that we will not keep quiet. Part of our mandate is to voice the voices of the students.”
Also Read: UoN VC Standoff: New Twist as Council Clarifies Prof Kiama’s Leave
Govt to Intervene
University of Nairobi student leader Michael Soi asked the government to step in and solve the leadership stalemate at the institution.
“We are asking the public service commission to weigh in on this matter because the students are now at unrest,” Soi said.
Soi said Prof Kiama normally sends messages warning students not to support his compulsory leaves or risk being suspended.
“The moment he is asked to go on leave he sends a memo saying anyone who partakes in this cake will either be apprehended or suspended from the University. We want the rule of law to reign and the government to give us directive,” added the student leader.
Council Sends Kiama on Leave
After a meeting on April 19, UoN council resolved to send VC Kiama on leave effective April 19, 2024.
The Council appointed Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, Dean Faculty of Engineering to act as the VC with effect from Friday, April 19, 2024.
Also Read: Decorated Career of UoN Vice Chancellor Who Has Refused to Go on Leave
Kiama Fights Back
However, Prof. Kiama rubbished the Council’s decision and called on the staff and students to ignore the communication that he will proceed on leave.
In a statement on April 22, the VC asked the university staff to commit to driving UoN to a globally competitive learning institution.
“My attention is drawn to a communication which was circulated to all members of staff and students by Mr John Orindi on Friday 19th April 2024 at 6:27 PM claiming that the Vice Chancellor had proceeded on leave,” read the statement in part.
“This matter has elicited a lot of publicity and has the potential to lead to apprehension to both members of staff and students. I call upon all members of staff and students to ignore the communication.”
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