Varsity student group in push to oust chair

The University of Nairobi Students’ Association (UNSA) has now urged the Government to intervene over the governance of the institution.

UNSA Council of Governors Chairperson Solomon Oketch made the remarks as he called for immediate dismissal of the university’s Council Chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe saying he has caused unnecessary tension and undermined the leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof Kiama Gitahi.

They threatened to march to the university council chambers and initiate impeachment proceedings if their demands are not complied with.

“We are calling upon the government, through the Cabinet Secretary of Education, Ezekiel Machogu, to intervene in this matter with immediate effect to ensure proper governance is restored within our university. We await your prompt action on this matter to restore order and proper governance within our university,” said Oketch, in a letter to the university council dated May 26.

Critical period

Oketch said the demand for Prof Anangwe’s dismissal is based on his cause of heat that is happening during a critical period when students are preparing for their end of year exams, adding that it is unacceptable for the university to be in a crisis over power struggles in the highest administrative office, the vice chancellor’s office.

“In a recent report, we noted that the last University Council meeting on April 19, 2024, at the official council chambers, did not include any agenda about the Vice Chancellor’s leave. The Vice-Chancellor is an academic staff member committed to the academic excellence of this great institution and is capable of making a personal decision on whether to proceed on leave,” he stated.

And added: “Notably, there have been three instances where the University Council has unlawfully sent Vice Chancellor, Kiama, on leave. We hereby dismiss such actions by the University Council as baseless and detrimental to the smooth running of our institution.”