Suspended Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Paul Wainaina on Thursday, November 2 resumed duties in his office at the main campus.
The embattled VC was welcomed by the KU staff as they rejoiced harmoniously for having him back. Addressing the crowd at the institution, he lauded the current government for addressing the matter.
“I’m back and we will handle the issues that made me go away. God has used the new government to allow wrongs to be rectified using our fundamental principles. The 410 acres is still intact and the title is with us,” he said.
Upon his reinstatement, Deputy Vice Chancellor professor Paul Okemo sent a circular to the staff informing them about the same.
"This is an official communication to all members of staff that following settlement of previous disputes about the leadership of Kenyatta University, Prof. Wainanina has been reinstated.
I take this opportunity to thank all members of staff and students for their patience and calmness as we went through the difficult times,
Prof. Wainanina is reporting back today at 10am and members of staff are encouraged to be at the main gate to welcome him," read the statement.
His return came after parties involved in a dispute that led to his exit signed a deal to withdraw court cases.
The VC was suspended and placed under investigation on allegations of misconduct and insubordination.
Wainaina had been asked to surrender the university's title deed as the row between the institution and its affiliate referral hospital over the ownership of a 1,000-acre piece of land escalated.
In July he was granted a temporary reprieve after the Employment and Labour Relations Court ordered his reinstatement.
In a land dispute that pitted State House against the University, Wainaina had filed a lawsuit through his attorney, Manwa Hosea, after the University Council was disbanded and his tenure was put on hold.
The suspension was temporarily barred by Justice Jacob Gakeri, who also ordered that the case be brought before any judge on July 28, for hearing.
Before leaving the institution, Wainanina addressed the staff announcing his exit after former President Uhuru Kenyatta castigated the university management for opposing plans to cede part of the learning institution’s land to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which is setting up a Ksh600 million emergency hub to cater for its regional operations.
“This is probably the last time you’ll see me addressing you as VC. I understand a new council is being formed,” he said.
After the address, the VC wept and was escorted out of the university.
