Education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha, has defended the government in the a land tussle between the Kenyatta University Council and President Uhuru Kenyatta which has seen Prof Paul Wainaina hounded from office.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 13, Prof Magoha was categorical that all public land in the country including that of public institutions such as schools belongs to the government.
The CS stated that he would have resigned if he was in Wainaina's shoes.
“The government owns everything and if by the wisdom of the government which is headed by the President pronounces itself in a manner that you feel repugnant to you as a person, the most honourable thing is to walk away.
"All land belongs to the government and when they decide to use it for another purpose there is a manner in which it is taken. I respect my colleagues but we are different. I am too proud and if I do not agree with you, I will just walk out," he stated.
Further, the CS explained that he decided to support the government because he was working under Uhuru's administration and believed in his policies.
However, he absolved himself from any blame regarding the sacking of his colleague.
'If I agree with someone, I will agree with them till death. For example, I will serve the President faithfully until he leaves office.
“Everything I do is for the general public starting with being obedient to my employer and serving the children, I am appointed to do my job by the President whom I take directives from.”
While addressing staff on Tuesday, July 12, Prof Wainaina claimed that his job was being targeted after the institution refused to cede land to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH)
Wainaina's remarks came barely days after President Uhuru Kenyatta warned that he would take action against those opposed to the transfer of land in his famous 'swiftly and effectively' speech.
