Speaker Wetang’ula admits evidence on UON mismanagement claims

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

National Assembly Speaker, Hon. Moses Wetang’ula has admitted documents tabled by Mukurweini MP, Hon. John Kaguchia, alleging mismanagement at the University of Nairobi.

This follows a question asked by Hon. Kaguchia on 20th November 2024 when the Cabinet Secretary for Education appeared before the House to respond to Questions asked by Members.

“Honourable Members, in a Sitting last week, while asking a Supplementary Question to Question No. 096 of 2024, relating to the University of Nairobi, the Member for Mukurweini, the Hon. John Kaguchia made various claims on management and operational issues at the University of Nairobi,” stated the Speaker.

Hon. Kaguchia had raised concerns about the university's operations, including the removal of Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama and the transfer of key officials. However, the Speaker had initially suspended the debate due to the lack of supporting evidence.

“In line with Standing Order 91, Hon. Kaguchia has tabled copies of documents from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Commission for University Education (CUE), the University of Nairobi (UoN), and the Pontifical Urbaniana University, to substantiate the claims,” Speaker Wetang’ula stated.

Hon Kaguchia had accused the University Council Chair, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, of overstepping his authority by interfering in day-to-day operations, leading to the removal of key officials and the creation of leadership vacancies.

“Honourable Speaker, Professsor Anangwe seems to have removed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, even though he had only four months to complete his term. He has also transferred many staff from that institution potentially wreaking havoc at the University," alleged Hon. Kaguchia.

The Mukurweini lawmaker also questioned the existence of many unoccupied positions in management where the positions of Finance Officer, Procurement Manager, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Security Officer, Finance Officer, Procurement Manager, Chief Medical Officer, and Chief Security Officer

were all vacant.

Speaking on authenticity of the documents table before House, Speaker Wetang'ula said, "I directed the Clerk to examine the documents and advise on their authenticity and admissibility, and the Clerk has since discharged that responsibility. In this regard, I have determined that the documents from the EACC and the CUE as submitted by the Hon. Kaguchia are authentic and admissible.

The National Assembly Speaker further instructed that the documents form part of the records of the House. 

By admitting Hon. Kaguchia's evidence the Cabinet Secretary of Education, Mr. Julius Migos is now expected to present a response to the House on the allegations against the University.