A Kiambu High Court judge, Margaret Njoki Mwangi, has disqualified herself from hearing two matters filed by Kenyatta University deputy vice-chancellor, Waceke Wanjohi, challenging the filling of the vice-chancellor position at the institution.

Professor Wanjohi, through advocate Chris Mutuku, sought court orders barring the appointment of a new vice chancellor and orders directing the KU Council to renew her contract as the deputy VC upon its expiry on July 31, 2026, and the court granted her all orders.

Advocate attempted visit

In recusing herself on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Judge Mwangi cited that her decision comes after Advocate Steve Ogolla visited the Kiambu High Court on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, seeking to have a word with her concerning the applications by Professor Wanjohi.

According to Justice Mwangi, when advocate Ogolla arrived at the Kiambu High Court on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, he told her aide that he wanted to see her, a request she declined.

When the matters came up for directions today, the judge tasked Ogolla, who is representing the Cabinet Secretary for Education (CS) Julius Ogamba, with explaining to the court and to all counsels present why he attempted to see her on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The visit’s purpose

According to the judge, the advocate said he wanted to inform her that he would be making an oral application for the discharge of the interim orders.

“Mr Steve Ogolla yesterday, May 19, 2026, came to Kiambu High Court, wherein he communicated to my aide that he wanted to see me, a request that I declined,” Judge Njoki Mwangi stated.

“The said advocate having explained in court today that he wanted to see me to inform me that he would be making an oral application today for the discharge of expert orders, I hereby disqualify myself from this matter,” Judge Njoki ruled.

She has further allocated the matter to High Court number three for hearing and determination. 

The hearing of the preliminary objections will be on June 23, 2026.