Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha has been put on the spot following his decision to revoke the appointment of Prof Stephen Kiama as the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi (UoN).
Prof Kiama, who was set to be installed as the new VC on Monday, was removed and Prof Isaac Mbeche appointed as the acting VC.
However, the decision did not go well with some leaders who questioned Magoha's powers to revoke the appointment of a VC by the University Council, while others termed the move as unlawful.
"Absurd vitimbi (circus) at the fountain of knowledge aka UoN. By the way, which statute gives the Minister for Education the power to revoke the appointment of a Vice Chancellor recruited through due process, even if faulty?" posed veteran journalist and political scientist David Makali on Saturday, in a tweet.
NASA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Norman Magaya said the CS's decision was unconstitutional and predicted the revocation of the appointment of Prof Kiama will be challenged in court.
"What Magoha did is manifestly unlawful and defies all rules appertaining to fair administrative action. It is my hope that the gazette notice will be challenged in court tomorrow (Monday). It won’t stand judicial review scrutiny. This impunity must be fought and defeated!" Magaya stated.
On his part, Prof Kiama has vowed not to relinquish his seat insisting his appointment was legal and the due procedure was followed.
“For avoidance of doubt, my appointment as the lawfully and validly appointed VC of UoN still subsists. As such I continue in diligent service as your Vice Chancellor and remain available to you all for guidance and direction,” he said in the statement on Saturday, according to Standard.