CS Machogu orders Meru University to reinstate VC, graduation be held on scheduled date

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has ordered Meru University of Science and Technology to reverse its decision to suspend Vice Chancellor (VC) Romanus Odhiambo.

In a statement on Monday, CS Machogu opined that Odhiambo's suspension is the genesis of the unrest that has been witnessed in the institution, leading to its indefinite closure.

According to CS Machogu, the suspension of the university's anticipated 10th graduation ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, March 11, was another trigger for the unrest. 

The Education CS, therefore, condemned the decision to suspend Prof. Odhiambo, terming it unlawful since he was not consulted.

"The decision is ill-timed because it was made a few days to the scheduled graduation ceremony of 11th March, 2023, with the obvious consequence that it would undermine the preparations for the imminent event and destroy the hopes of graduands to transit into the world of work immediately," he said.

 "Regrettably, the Council fell short of its legal duty of fidelity to the applicable law."

By close of business on Tuesday, CS Machogu ordered that VC Odhiambo be returned to office.

He also affirmed that the scheduled graduation ceremony will take place as planned.

"The University Council is directed to facilitate Prof. Odhiambo's resumption of office as Vice-Chancellor with immediate effect," he said.

The university council has also been ordered to reopen and resume normal operations not later than Wednesday, March 8.

Prof. Odhiambo was sent on terminal leave by the institution's Governing Council on grounds that he was not able to meet his expected target on his delegated duties hence the council’s resolution on not renewing his contract.