Speaking to a local newspaper , Chumo confirmed his resignation but dismissed allegations that he had resigned under pressure from the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU).
He stated that the union played no part in his departure.
“Contrary to claims, I did not resign because of union pressure; nothing could be further from the truth. I have faced far greater pressures leading large organisations,” he told the daily.
Former chair of Kenyatta University Council Ben Chumo
“My resignation is a matter of principle: if the ministry has no faith in me, then they should find someone else to run the process,” he said.
According to Chumo, there are individuals who are using the union to push a narrative that does not really reflect the real situation.
“The union’s statement appears to be an attempt to trivialise an important process and make themselves appear to be a mouthpiece.”
“Someone is using the union to assign blame, perhaps even to make it look like they pushed me out. I have worked with unions my entire career. No union has ever pressured me out of any position,” he added.
He claimed that he received a call from senior government officials last week, instructing him to attend council meetings. Chumo, in his statement, interpreted this as a sign of mistrust from the Ministry of Education.
Chumo said that he had a problem with the recruitment process done by the university council.
“The biggest issue here is the process. When you interfere with the process, the outcome becomes compromised. Things do not go wrong, they start wrong. When the ministry stepped into our Council room, that signalled the wrong start. That is why I chose to step aside,” Chumo added.
His resignation comes at a time when the university is searching for a new vice-chancellor to replace Paul Wainaina, who is due to retire in January 2026.
By James Kisoo
