Leaders take on CS Fred Matiang'i and demand reinstatement of VC

Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi (left) flanked by Kaloleni MP Gunga Mwinga (right) and some of the members of county assembly for Kilifi. The leaders gave the government a one week ultimatum to reverse the decision for the vice chancellor or they will demonstrate before spilling the beans. [PHOTO BY GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

Leaders in Coast have demanded the reinstatement of Technical University of Mombasa Vice Chancellor Josphat Mwatela.

Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i sacked the VC last week over integrity and abuse of office allegations. But Coast Parliamentary Group Chair MP Gunga Mwinga and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi said yesterday there was no just cause to sack the VC. The leaders accused the Jubilee administration of witch-hunt.

Speaking in Kilifi, they accused Matiang'i of dismissing the VC in a hurry before a thorough investigation was conducted.

 "I am taking this opportunity on behalf of Coast MPs to demand the immediate reinstatement of Prof Mwatela as the CS did not consider important issues before making the decision," said Mwinga.

Kingi claimed Mwatela's sacking was a political punishment for not supporting Jubilee in the 2013 polls. He added the Jubilee Government was frustrating Coast professionals.

"The Jubilee administration has been targeting Coast people holding senior positions both in its administration and State parastatals by sacking them simply because people in this region voted against it in 2013," said Kingi. He added the CS announced Mwatela's dismissal without first issuing a warning letter.

He claimed Mwatela was under pressure to award tenders to some people in the Government, but he refused.

"The VC was sacked after he went against orders of influential personalities in Jubilee to award tenders to specific contractors," said Kingi.