Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Prof Olive Mugenda to stay in office despite court advice

The controversy surrounding succession of Kenyatta University vice-chancellor Olive Mugenda continued to play out as the University Council defied court advice on the recruitment process.

University council chairperson Ratemo Michieka yesterday announced that the Labour Relation Court advice was not an order and communicated that Prof Mugenda has been instructed to remain in office.

Prof Olive Mugenda (PHOTO: COURTESY)

"...The Council directs the Vice Chancellor to remain in office and continue with her normal duties," reads a statement by Prof Michieka dated December 18.

"The Council is at a loss as to why the court advised that the VC should proceed on leave while the issue of her being replaced by a caretaker committee is pending hearing and determination," reads the statement.

On Friday, the court directed Mugenda to proceed on a six-month terminal leave pending hearing of a case challenging her ouster.

The case was filed by activist Okiya Omtatah, who says Mugenda has completed her mandatory term and should vacate the office of the vice chancellor. He also wants the position properly advertised.