KU VC Shares Details of Phone Call He Received After Clash With Uhuru

Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina
Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina
File

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina on Tuesday, July 12, disclosed details of a phone call he received amid the clash with President Uhuru Kenyatta over a parcel of land.

Speaking at the university's amphitheatre, Wainaina revealed that Education CS George Magoha called to pressure him to cede 338 acres of university land, including that Uhuru donated to the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

"We were called by the Ministry of Education, by our CS, who affirmed that the Cabinet had already reached a decision on the parcels of land to be subdivided," Wainaina claimed. 

Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina
Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina
Courtesy

He further claimed that the subdivision was done by the Ministry of Lands and that the National Lands Commission was tasked with preparing titles. 

"The World Health Organization (WHO) to be allocated 30 acres, Africa Centre for Disease Control, 10 acres, and the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital 108 acres," he stated.

CS Farida Karoney's Ministry of Land was set to use the remaining parcel to resettle squatters.

The VC maintained his stance, that neither he nor the university council had the authority to permit the transfer of land, a position with caused tension with the government. 

"What we are saying here is that the council does not have the mandate. I have said that I do not have the mandate as VC too but I want you to know that this is probably the last time I am talking to you as the VC," he added.

Speaking during the launch of the WHO emergency hub, President Uhuru Kenyatta strongly condemned the KU administration for allegedly frustrating government projects by laying claim to public land.

Uhuru promised to deal with the leaders 'swiftly and effectively' before he leaves office. Media reports indicated that Wainaina had been relieved of his duties 

However, according to Kenyatta University's Communication Department, the institution had not received official communication about the alleged layoff.

The entrance to Kenyatta University main campus located along Thika Road.
The entrance to Kenyatta University's main campus located along Thika Road.
Photo
KU