Former Maasai Mara University Vice Chancellor (VC), Mary Walingo breathed a sigh of relief after the Public Service Commission (PSC) reinstated her to the position.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 7, PSC CEO Simon Rotich directed former Maasai Mara University boss to be reinstated pending a case before the Anti-Corruption case. Walingo was dismissed in 2019 over corruption allegations
"The appellant be reinstated back to her employment on suspension pending the hearing and determination of the Anti-Corruption Case and/or until her contract is lawfully terminated," read part of the statement.
The CEO further directed that the former VC be paid half of her salary and allowances from the date when she was suspended.
Walingo was suspended immediately after a Citizen Exclusive piece dubbed “Money Heist” on Maasai Mara university, implicated her in an alleged Sh177 million corruption scandal that roped in other university staff.
After the expose, Walingo was ordered to step aside in 2019 to pave the way for the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to commence investigations.
After she stepped down, Prof Kitche Magak was appointed to take charge before he was replaced by Joseph Chacha in January 2022.
Walingo was charged with ten counts of corruption alongside four other officials from the university for withdrawing money irregularly in crimes that started in 2016.
In May 2022, Walingo moved to court to submit an appeal against the university council decision to fire her.
She filed an appeal to the PSC in May 2022 against the university council's decision to fire her. She later dropped the case after demanding close to Ksh7.5 million in compensation and damages on what she claimed was illegal.
Additionally, PSC directed that Walingo should be paid half the salary and allowances according to the Section 62 of the Anti- Corruption and Economic Crimes
"The Appellant be paid half (1/2) salary and the attendant allowances pursuant to Section 62 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act if the same has not been paid from the date of the charge and/or suspension."
Further, the PSC reinstated her citing the power of the institution’s council to fire her from office, and if it followed the law to dismiss her.
