By Andrew Kariuki

The High Court in Kiambu has temporarily halted the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor at Kenyatta University after Prof. Waceke Wanjohi secured urgent court orders challenging the recruitment process.

In orders issued on April 22, 2026, Lady Justice Njoki Mwangi certified the matter as urgent and granted Prof. Wanjohi leave to institute judicial review proceedings against multiple state bodies, including the Ministry of Education, the Attorney General, the Public Service Commission, and the Kenyatta University Council.

The court further directed that the leave granted will operate as a stay of any disciplinary proceedings initiated against the applicant, effectively shielding her from ongoing or intended action pending the determination of the case.

In a significant development, the judge also issued a temporary injunction barring the respondents from proceeding with the appointment of a Vice Chancellor at Kenyatta University or installing any other person in the position until the matter is heard and determined.

According to court documents, Prof. Wanjohi, who currently serves as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), argues that she emerged as the top candidate following interviews conducted on March 24 and 25, 2026.

Her application contends that despite being recommended by the interviewing panel, the relevant authorities failed to act on the outcome and instead initiated what she describes as irregular disciplinary proceedings aimed at locking her out of the appointment process.

Through her legal team, she claims the actions by the respondents are “un-procedural and in utter disregard of law,” particularly the provisions governing the appointment of vice chancellors under the Universities Act.

The application further alleges the existence of a coordinated effort to sideline her candidacy and pave the way for a preferred candidate, warning that unless the court intervenes, she stands to suffer irreparable damage to her career.

The court has directed the applicant to file and serve a substantive judicial review application within 14 days, with the matter scheduled for mention on May 20, 2026, for further directions.

The case now sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle that could determine both the leadership of Kenyatta University and the integrity of recruitment processes in public institutions.