Professor Stephen Kiama, whose appointment as University of Nairobi vice chancellor was revoked by Education CS George Magoha on Saturday, January 18 vowed not to relinquish his position as earlier ordered by the CS.
In a report by K24 Digital, he argued that the appointment was procedural and therefore, Magoha had no power to revoke it.
In a memo from the vice chancellor to students and members of staff, he urged them to keep calm and wade away from any misleading information from the ministry.
“In the face of these developments, I want to urge you all to continue (remaining) calm and maintain peace and order that has subsisted since my appointment as the vice chancellor.
“Do not be given to acts of lawlessness as peace and stability of the university is important to all of us,” stated Kiama in the memo.
Professor Kiama also vowed to continue undertaking his duties as stipulated in the university guidelines.
“For the avoidance of doubt, my appointment as the lawfully and validly appointed VC of UoN still subsists.
“As such, I continue in diligent service as your vice chancellor and remain available to you all for guidance and direction,” noted Kiama.
In another letter to the university stakeholders and collaborators, the VC urged that they defy any orders from anyone else other than him, as the legally appointed VC.
“Any resolutions originating from any other university organs, which by statute are chaired by the VC, if chaired by a person other than the legally appointed VC, or any other person expressly authorised by him in writing, similarly will not be binding,” remarked Kiama.
The vice chancellor also confirmed that he still recognised the Professor Julia Ojiambo-led university council by copying her in his two letters.
Kiama was announced as the new vice chancellor in the reputable institution on January 5.
CS Magoha dissolved the entire University of Nairobi Governing Council on Friday, January 17.
He also revoked the appointment of Professor Kiama as the university vice chancellor.
The no-nonsense CS made the changes through a Kenya Gazette Notice CCXII-No.10.
The Ministry of Education also released a statement which informed that Magoha appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance, Planning, and Development) Professor Isaac Meroka Mbeche as acting VC.
