A Vice Chancellor from one of Kenya's premier public universities has been dragged into a harassment case by a former staff member.
Prof John Akama, who was first appointed to the institution as a principal when it was under Egerton University, is accused of harassing a former worker, Nancy Nyanchama.
In an interview with Ms Nyanchama, a widow, Prof Akama also dismissed her from service in February this year, without giving proper explanation.
According to the mother of two, part of the reasons given by the seasoned don, who launched a cultural book a fortnight ago, is that she lied about the death of her husband.
"He first started using proxies to harass me. He went on to sign a dismissal letter. I was not called to any disciplinary to answer the allegations," lamented Ms Nyanchama.
"I am told that he claims that my husband isn't dead and that I pretended to get contributions from the staff. I have presented death certificates and even invited him personally home. He's not interested," she added.
Ms Nyanchama now says she cannot be able to provide for young family having been deprived livelihood. She says paying fee for her children has become hectic.
Further, she argues, the don should consider summoning her formally to answer to the charges instead of sacking her without following due process.
"I can no longer provide for my family. It's a situation that has thrown me into a limbo. I want him to be fair. He shouldn't use my situation to intimidate me."
Efforts to reach the veteran don could not bare fruits as he failed to respond to calls. He did not return calls after several hours on Wednesday.
But Dean of Students Brother Francis Monari, in a text, said the complaint should consider reaching out to Father Lawrence Nyaanga, the institution's chaplain.
"Regards my brother. Am sorry I have just seen this. I am not sure I would help cause the procedure for complaints is that she would write to the chairman of the public complaints committee Fr. Nyaanga or actually come see him the we process the issues," he wrote.
Prof John Akama was almost facing ouster last year but was saved by a section of politicians from Gusii region. He was first appointed to VC position in 2013.
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