KU VC Speaks on Next Move After Win Over Uhuru

A collage image of President Uhuru Kenyatta (LEFT) and Prof Paul Wainaina (RIGHT).
A collage image of President Uhuru Kenyatta (LEFT) and Prof Paul Wainaina (RIGHT).
COURTESY

Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor, Prof Paul Wainaina, has insisted that he will not resign until it is proved that he committed a crime by failing to surrender the institution's land to the government.

Speaking at the institution after he was reinstated by the High Court on Wednesday, July 27, the VC explained his actions which saw him clash with President Uhuru Kenyatta, were aimed at protecting the interest of the students.

He added that the land the university was being asked to surrender was meant for the expansion of the medical school.

Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina
Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina
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"If I must go because of protecting our students, especially the medical students, then I can do that. I have not done anything wrong and we will wait and see what is going to happen, but for now, I am the VC of KU.

"If they think they have facts in terms of what I have done, then they can produce them. Without that, I want to say that we trust in the courts and we will make sure that nothing is done outside the law," Wainaina stated.

Further, he insinuated that he was forced out of office, insisting that he did not resign as earlier reported by a section of the media.

"Many people are saying that I resigned. I did not resign because there is nothing wrong that I have done.

"I am here because I am following the law and I will wait until the three court cases are closed. We will continue normally and prepare to welcome new students," the VC added.

Wainaina was among the officials who were replaced by the university after Uhuru stated that his administration would take action against those who were opposed to the subdivision of land meant for the construction of a World Health Organisation (WHO) emergency hub.

Upon installment, the new KU council surrendered the land to the government hurriedly. However, the move was challenged in court.

In his 'swiftly and effectively' speech, the Head of State explained that the construction of WHO headquarters would be beneficial to the country and the continent at large.

"You are claiming that this is your land yet this same land is owned by Kenyans. You want to hinder this project but I still have three more weeks in office, we shall deal with those individuals swiftly and effectively. I will go home with them," Uhuru stated.

Wainaina's dismissal saw the president come under sharp criticism from a section of leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto who accused him of trying to meddle with running of independent public institutions.

The Kenyatta University main gate in Kiambu County.
The Kenyatta University main gate in Kiambu County.
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