Machogu directs wrangling UoN factions to work together

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has weighed in on the ongoing leadership wrangles at the University of Nairobi. 

Speaking on Wednesday, Machogu called on the university council and the embattled Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama to work together.

This comes after the university's academic staff on Tuesday called on Machogu to intervene and end the incessant wrangles in the institution.

"I have given very clear instructions that the University Council as well as Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama must work together in order to achieve the goals and objectives set out by the UoN," Machogu said. 

" I am aware and I assure you that the wrangles are not going to be witnessed anymore because we can not be able to encourage wrangles. We are dealing with the five big agenda at UoN. We want to be focused, we want to support each other," Machogu said. 

The wrangles have seen Kiama sent on compulsory leave twice in just six months.

University of Nairobi Council chairman Amukowa Anangwe said the decision to send Kiama on leave was reached on April 19.

The council directed Professor Ayub Njoroge to continue serving as vice chancellor.

But Kiama immediately dismissed the directive saying he is not going anywhere.

The embattled VC was on Tuesday present at State House where President William Ruto met with managers of public universities.

Universities Academic Staff Union UoN chapter chairman Richard Bosire urged Machogu to read the riot act to the wrangling parties. 

"We cannot solve this issue if Machogu does not bring these people together and read the riot act. We are urging him to take action and we are willing to support him," he said.

"In his opinion, the government has exceptional capacity through its intelligence  and security systems to really go deep and be able to establish the root cause of the crisis."

Bosire said the wrangles are damaging UoN's reputation. 

"In order for the university to focus on its key mandate, the government should take action that is appropriate and swift to stop wrangles," he said. 

Bosire cited lack of adherence to the established university management structures as the cause of the wrangles.