Kenyatta University students have waded into the controversy surrounding the impending leadership transition at the institution.
Through their student body; Kenyatta University Students Association (Kusa), the students expressed concern over the ongoing wrangles surrounding Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda's succession.
Addressing journalists at the university's main campus over the weekend, Kusa President Sam Were said they were saddened by the current state of affairs, adding they were hoping for a smooth transition devoid of any wrangles.
"As students, we are not happy with the manner in which a few individuals, both in the university and the ministry, are handling the succession issue. We won't sit idle and leave the state of affairs to be the preserve of a few individuals," said Were.
He said the current VC has become a victim of harassment and hostility by strong forces keen on making sure their choice takes over from her.
This, he said, was making it hard for Prof Mugenda to effectively discharge her duties. He added that the appointment of the next VC must be informed by the views of students, staff and the university statute.
"We are privy to information that a few individuals at the Ministry of Education and here at KU are pushing for an exclusive recruitment of the new VC, even before the term of the current one ends, which we shall not allow," he said.
There has been a storm over Ms Mugenda's exit, with a section of University Academic Staff Union (Uasu) members claiming the VC was seeking extension of her third term illegally.
But Kusa Secretary General Ken Mutua said they have credible reports of machinations within university management ranks, and the influence of external forces with vested interests, to install a person of their choice as the next VC.
"We strongly condemn the alleged attempt by a few individuals from the mentioned quarters to undermine proper corporate governance since all they want is to ensure their choice, who will serve their interests, is appointed," said Mr Mutua.
The students said due to the ongoing machinations, the university risks not getting a VC who would be equal to the task and who would be able to fit in the big shoes that Mugenda will leave behind.
"We want a new VC who will come to further the good legacy left by Mugenda and not a person who will come to water down all the gains achieved in the last eight years," he said.
