Inauguration of new Egerton VC stopped over nepotism case

Egerton University VC Pro Issac Kibwage during an interview with the Standard in Egerton University on November 10, 2021. [Harun Wathari, Standard]

The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nakuru has stopped the planned inauguration of Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Isaac Kibwage.

While clarifying her earlier orders of November 2, Justice Hellen Wasilwa said the interim orders she granted for status quo suspended his gazettement and installation.

“The court’s order suspended the implementation of the decision of the university council, including Kibwage’s gazettement as sixth VC and his inauguration,” said the judge.

She said the university should not implement the purported appointment pending hearing and determination of the case.

She made the ruling in a petition by the Trusted Society of Human Rights Alliance, a lobby group.

Paul Maina, a petitioner, said Prof Kibwage’s appointment was marred with irregularities.

The lobby group accuses the VC of disobeying the orders when he planned the inauguration ceremony.

They alleged that the university planned to hold the inauguration ceremony on December 17, during the graduation ceremony.

“Allowing the process to take place would render the court process an academic exercise,” claimed the group.

The announcement was made through the university’s main website.

The group wants Kibwage’s appointment quashed. They claim that his appointment lacked ethical standards, integrity and failed the requirements of Chapter six of the Constitution.

According to Maina, the university’s council which conducted the recruitment ignored evidence against the appointment.

“There was evidence of nepotism and tribalism, especially in appointments and promotion,” read the petition.

Maina argued that the recruitment process was neither approved by the cabinet secretary nor conducted within the university premises.

The petitioners have sued the Egerton University, Public Service Commission and the Education Cabinet Secretary with Kibwage is listed as an interested party.

Kibwage took over as acting VC on January 12 after his predecessor, Prof Rose Mwonya, retired.

His appointment was confirmed on October 5.

The case will be mentioned on January 19.