Suspended KU deputy VC moves to nullify Prof John Okumu’s appointment

Suspended Kenyatta University Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Waceke Wanjohi has moved to the Nairobi Employment and Labour Relations Court seeking to have the recent appointment of new VC, John Okumu, declared unlawful. 

In her petition, Waceke argued that the appointment violated the Constitution and asked the court to nullify the decision made by the Kenyatta University Council. 

According to the court document, the application is calling for “a declaration that the appointment of the 5th respondent (Professor John Okumu) as the Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University, was unmerited, improper, illegal and contrary to the law.”

Justice Jacob Gakeri has directed the Education Cabinet Secretary, the Attorney General, the Public Service Commission (PSC) and KU’s council to file their responses within 14 days and scheduled the matter for mention on October 5.

Wanjohi is also seeking orders declaring the position of Vice Chancellor vacant and compelling the university to appoint her as the substantive holder of the office. 

Additionally, the petition, filed by Wanjohi’s lawyer Chris Mutuku, challenges her suspension from office, asking the court to invalidate it. 

Wanjohi also wants the court to make void a notice requiring her to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against her over alleged constitutional breaches of leadership and integrity stipulations.

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Further, she seeks orders reversing the revocation of her appointment as a trustee of the Kenyatta University Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme. 

Okumu was appointed substantive Vice Chancellor on Thursday after the university said he ranked first in a competitive recruitment process conducted by the PSC. 

His appointment ended more than six months of leadership uncertainty following the retirement of former VC Paul Wainaina. 

Wanjohi had previously challenged the recruitment process in the High Court, claiming she was the successful candidate after interviews held in March and calling for the release of the results and scores.

However, the case was struck out after a judge ruled that disputes relating to recruitment, appointments and disciplinary processes fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Employment and Labour Relations Court rather than the High Court.

Consequently, Wanjohi opted to lodge the fresh petition seeking to overturn Okumu’s appointment and challenge the disciplinary actions taken against her.

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