Machogu Directs Reinstatement of Meru University VC Odhiambo
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ezekiel Machogu, has ordered the immediate reinstatement of Professor Romanus Odhiambo as the Vice Chancellor of Meru University.
In a press release issued on March 7, Machogu stated that the University’s Council did not follow the appropriate procedure in its decision to terminate Odhiambo’s term.
Machogu criticized the timing of the decision, which the authorities had made just a few days before the graduation ceremony. He said that it would undermine preparations for the event and destroy the hopes of graduands.
Consequently, the authorities ordered the resumption of learning activities to begin on March 8, and they will proceed with the graduation ceremony scheduled for March 11 as planned.
In addition to ordering Odhiambo’s reinstatement and the resumption of learning activities, Machogu directed the dissolution of the University’s council, effective March 9.
This move came after the University issued a notice informing students of the indefinite closure of the institution and cancellation of the planned graduation ceremony due to student unrest within and outside the University’s vicinity.
The Protest
The students were protesting against the decision to send Odhiambo on terminal leave, which they believed was unjustified.
In explaining the reason behind the decision to send Odhiambo on terminal leave, the University’s Council noted that his performance was poor and below expectations. However, Machogu disputed this claim, stating that due process was not followed in making the decision, and it was an ill-timed move.
Machogu committed to attend the graduation ceremony on March 11, and people expect him to address the disputes between Odhiambo and the University’s council.
His press release emphasized the need to maintain stability and order in the institution and to ensure that the learning process continues uninterrupted.
The students protested against the University’s decision to send Odhiambo on terminal leave, and their actions brought business activities to a standstill in the area. Security agencies apprehended scores of students as they engaged in running battles with police officers.
Machogu Directs Reinstatement of Meru University VC Odhiambo
