- High Court rules Prof Paul Wainaina’s removal from office was illegal and unjustified.
- Orders issued for his full reinstatement as Vice Chancellor without further delay.
- Court affirms he will continue serving as a professor after his term ends in 2026.
- The ruling nullifies council’s move to replace him and faulted its recruitment process.
- Council’s claims of pending sabbatical and leave dismissed as insufficient grounds.
Prof Paul Wainaina has scored a major legal victory after the High Court declared his dismissal as Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University unlawful. The court issued an order for his immediate reinstatement, faulting the university council for acting without legal backing or proper procedure.
Leave Grounds Rejected by the Court
The university council, led by Dr Ben Chumo, had in April 2024 sent Prof Wainaina on what they termed as compulsory leave. They cited a backlog of sabbatical and annual leave stretching as far back as 2010, including 30 months of sabbatical, 22 days of annual leave, and 30 days of terminal leave.
However, the court rejected these reasons, stating that the council had no authority to unilaterally push the professor out under such pretexts.
Illegal Recruitment Moves Blocked
After sending him on leave, the council further extended his absence in December 2024 and began recruiting a new VC—a move Prof Wainaina protested as both irregular and unlawful. The court agreed with him, stating that such actions disregarded court orders and breached his rights as a substantive office holder.
Dr Chumo defended the council’s decision, arguing the recruitment process was sanctioned by the Public Service Commission and followed due process. But the court dismissed that argument, asserting that the earlier ruling returning Wainaina to office was still valid and binding.
Tenure to End in 2026, Then Continue as Professor
The court clarified that Wainaina’s current term as Vice Chancellor ends on January 26, 2026. Beyond that, he will remain a professor at the university since he is still below the academic staff retirement age of 75.
Legal Process Vindicates Wainaina
The case was filed in the Employment and Labour Relations Court on January 30, 2025, where Wainaina argued that the university council had violated legal procedure by sidelining him. The ruling now not only restores him to office but reaffirms his contract and status.
