Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has ordered Romanus Odhiambo’s immediate reinstatement as vice chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology.
Machogu stated in the press release that the university council’s decision to send Romanus on terminal leave was ill-timed and unlawful given they did not consult with the Education Cabinet Secretary.
Machogu intervened on Tuesday, ordering in a statement that Prof Odhiambo be reinstated no later than close of business on Tuesday, and for the institution to be reopened by Wednesday.
“The institution’s 10th graduation ceremony that was to take place on 11 March, 2023 will proceed as planned and I will attend the ceremony,” Machogu said.
Further, the term of the council will lapse on Thursday and a new one will be appointed.
On March 3, the university’s council sent Prof Odhiambo on terminal leave and declined to renew his five-year contract due to underperformance, which he denied.
Protests by both students and university staff followed, as did the university’s indefinite closure, which meant that the March 11 graduation would not have taken place.
