UoN Wrangles: Battle for New VC as Business School Scam Haunts Anangwe

The wrangles at UoN are far from over. Several key questions remain unanswered as pressure mounts for a transparent recruitment process. Will Anangwe challenge his removal?

Who will fill the vacant position? And will the next VC be appointed based on merit, or will money and politics dictate the outcome?

For now, the university remains on edge, with lecturers, students, and stakeholders waiting for clarity on its leadership.

What is certain is that UoN’s power struggles are a reflection of deeper governance issues within Kenya’s higher education sector.

Power Struggles and Allegations Shake University of Nairobi Leadership

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is in turmoil as leadership battles intensify over the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Deputy VC.

At the center of the storm is the UoN Council Chair, Professor Amukowa Anangwe, who now faces mounting opposition.

Allegations of mismanagement, corruption, and power struggles have engulfed the institution, forcing the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, to intervene.

With high stakes in play, reports indicate that contenders for the top positions are engaging in underhanded tactics, including fundraising efforts to influence appointments.

Adding to the tension, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) UoN chapter has demanded Anangwe’s removal, accusing him of overstepping his authority.

Meanwhile, political interference has further complicated the saga, dragging Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi into the controversy.

The unfolding drama highlights deep-seated governance issues at Kenya’s premier university, leaving staff and students uncertain about the institution’s future.

Leadership Wrangles at UoN

The fight for control at the University of Nairobi has exposed cracks in its governance.

At the heart of the crisis is Professor Amukowa Anangwe, a man once seen as a reformist but now facing fierce opposition from lecturers and staff.

His troubles began when the council, which he chairs, was accused of manipulating the process of appointing the next VC and Deputy VC.

Insiders claim that some aspirants for the top jobs are raising funds to secure their preferred candidates.

This has raised concerns about the integrity of the selection process, with fears that merit may take a backseat to political and financial influence.

The UASU UoN chapter has emerged as a vocal critic, arguing that Anangwe has taken over management roles beyond his mandate, effectively sidelining the acting VC, Professor Matgarer Hutchinson.

The union’s dissatisfaction escalated when staff threatened to strike if Anangwe remained in office.

In response, Education CS Julius Ogamba revoked Anangwe’s appointment in a gazette notice dated February 21, 2025. However, the sudden dismissal, which left the chairmanship position vacant, has raised more questions than answers.

The Role of Politics in the UoN Power Struggle

The battle at UoN has drawn the attention of powerful political figures, sparking accusations of interference and betrayal. While Ogamba’s decision to remove Anangwe appeared to be a victory for UASU and reformists, it also exposed political rifts within the government.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, a longtime ally of Anangwe, has been criticized for not shielding him from the axe.

His silence has fueled speculation that he either approved the removal or was unable to prevent it. This has reportedly left his supporters within the university and political circles frustrated.

The growing involvement of politicians in UoN’s affairs underscores the institution’s significance beyond academics.

As one of Kenya’s top universities, its leadership appointments often carry political weight, influencing both policy and financial decisions at the national level.

The UoN Council’s Response and Future Implications

Following Anangwe’s dismissal, the UoN Council issued a strongly worded statement on February 19, 2025, dismissing allegations of mismanagement.

The council maintained that the university’s governance structures remain intact and that claims of corruption and irregularities are exaggerated.

Despite this, critics argue that the council itself is part of the problem. The members, including Chancellor Professor Patrick Verkooijen, acting VC Professor Matgarer Hutchinson, and PS for Higher Education and Research Beatrice Inyangala, have been accused of lacking transparency in key decisions. Other council members include Denrick Ayot (representing the PS National Treasury and Planning), Carren Omwenga, Ahmed Abdullah, Parmain Narikae, and Sally Toroitich.

With Anangwe out, attention now shifts to who will take over the chairmanship and whether governance reforms will follow.

If the selection process remains controversial, UoN could face prolonged instability, affecting both academic operations and its reputation.