Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba on Friday, April 11, revoked four appointments to the University of Nairobi Council, including those of Sally Toroitich and Ahmed Abdullahi.
Through a gazette notice, Ogamba announced the new development at the embattled institution, which is facing a raging leadership row.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 (1)(d) of the Universities Act, 2012, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education *revokes the appointment of—Sally Ngeringwony Toroitich, Ahmed Sheikh Abdullahi, Parmain Ole Narikae (Dr), and Carren Kerubo Omwenga as Members of the Council of the University of Nairobi, with effect from 11th April, 2025,” the notice read.
However, the members were given new positions in different universities across the country. Sally Toroitich was appointed as a member of the council at the University of Embu. Ahmed Abdullahi was also commissioned to the Mama Ngina University Training College council.
In the same vein, Parmain Ole Narikae was appointed to the council at the University of Eldoret, while Carren Kerubo was named to the Karatina University council. The four are set to serve in their respective positions from 11th April, 2025 to 22nd May, 2026.
The leadership row has been marked by conflict between the university management and the university council. The wrangles culminated in the dismissal of former Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama after a turbulent tenure at the helm.
Consequently, five candidates have been shortlisted to replace him. The candidates, selected by the Public Service Commission (PSC), are Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Prof. James Njiru, Prof. Duke Orata, Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, and Prof. Francis Jackim Mulaa.
The council has also experienced tough times with Ogamba firing Prof Amukowa Anangwe from the university's council chairperson post on Friday, February 21.
This followed mounting pressure from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the National Assembly’s Education Committee, who accused Prof. Anangwe of staff interference, mismanagement, and governance conflicts at the university.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 (1)(a) of the Universities Act, 2012, as read together with section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education revokes the appointment of Professor Amukoya Anangwe as the Chairperson of the Council of the University of Nairobi," the notice read in part.
In a move to reclaim the university's sanity, UASU had issued the ministry a seven-day ultimatum demanding Anangwe's removal or they would hold demonstrations.
UASU cited concerns over unilateral decisions, unauthorised contract extensions, and the controversial Chief Operations Officer position. The union accused the former chairperson of encroaching on the vice-chancellor’s role, taking over key decision-making functions.
