Detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have arrested at least four senior officials from the University of Nairobi (UoN), including the University Council Chairperson, Professor Amukowa Anangwe.
Preliminary reports indicate that the arrests are linked to alleged abuse of office in the appointment of Daniel Brian Ouma Okeyo as Acting Chief Operations Officer.
Prof. Anangwe was reportedly apprehended on Friday, May 16, by EACC officers at Kisumu International Airport, while the other council members were arrested in Nairobi.
Further reports suggest that the UoN Council Chair was being flown to Nairobi for questioning at the Integrity Centre over the controversial appointment.
Those also arrested include Daniel Brian Ouma, Dr. Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi, and Carren Kerubo Omwenga.
The four are facing charges of abuse of office for allegedly contravening a court judgment issued on April 8, 2024, in the hiring of Ouma.
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Ministry of Education vows unspecified action against UoN Council Vice chair
The Ministry of Education last week accused Prof. Anangwe of overstepping his mandate by appointing Prof. Francis Mulaa as acting Vice-Chancellor without following due process.
Additionally, the ministry vowed to take unspecified action against the UoN Council Chair over what it termed as unilateral appointments to top university leadership positions.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 9, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala condemned Anangwe’s actions—just hours after Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Professor Bitange Ndemo, declined his appointment as Vice-Chancellor (VC), citing irregularities in the process.
PS Inyangala rejected the decision to appoint Prof. Mulaa as both the substantive Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and acting VC, terming it a violation of the Universities Act, 2012.
The ministry further noted that the appointments—communicated through letters dated May 5—were made without consulting the Cabinet Secretary as required by law, and without the participation of the full University Council, of which the PS is a member.
“The purported appointments as done by the Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council are a clear usurpation of the role of the Council, contrary to the provisions of the law,” PS Inyangala stated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry of Education confirms that there were no consultations between the University of Nairobi Council and the Cabinet Secretary.”
Also Read: New Twist as Govt Disowns Bitange Ndemo’s Appointment as UoN Vice Chancellor
Ndemo rejects appointment
The ministry underscored that the appointments contravened Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act, which stipulates that the Council must consult with the CS following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Service Commission.
PS Inyangala while refraining from detailing measures the ministry would take further stated the violations “shall not be condoned and will form the basis for appropriate action in due course.”
Prof Ndemo rejected the UoN Vice Chancellor appointment and cited the University Council’s Chair inability to confirm compliance as his reason for his decision.
“I sought confirmation from the Chairman regarding the Minister for Education’s concurrence, as required by law. Prof. Anangwe assured me that it was being addressed and that he had submitted the necessary documents an hour earlier,” he said.
“I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position,” Ndemo explained.
In reaffirming the legal holders of the university’s executive positions, the ministry clarified that Prof. Jesang Hutchinson remains the acting VC, while Prof. Ayub Gitau, Prof. Francis Mulaa, Prof. John Demesi Mande continue to serve as acting Deputy VCs in their respective portfolios prior to the contested appointments.
The ministry further reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the rule of law and corporate governance in public universities, noting that educational institutions must model integrity and professionalism.
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