Garissa University again in Crisis as Vice Chancellor Accused of Intimidation and Mismanagement
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Garissa University is once again in the headlines, but not for academic achievements or progress.
The institution has become a battleground for allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and intimidation, with Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahmed Warfa allegedly at the center of it all.
The university’s administration has reportedly been accused of targeting whistleblowers in what many see as a desperate attempt to silence critics and suppress transparency.
Nakuru Times is in possession of documents that shed light on the current situation.
Suspension letters issued to senior staff paint a grim picture of an administration determined to root out anyone it suspects of leaking information about the university’s leadership.
One of the letters, dated December 23, 2024, accuses a senior staff member of “misrepresenting information” and “injuring the professional reputation” of colleagues.
The letter directs the staff member to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against them, citing unsubstantiated claims of unfair treatment and denial of promotion.
In another suspension letter, the university accuses a staff member of incitement and radicalizing students against police officers.
The letter alleges that this led to security threats and trespassing in restricted areas.
The accused staff member has been suspended for three months on half pay while investigations are carried out.
These actions have sparked outrage among the university community and the public.
Critics argue that the administration is using these letters as a tool to intimidate and silence those who dare to speak out against corruption and mismanagement.
The timing of these suspensions—just weeks after public outcry over the university’s state—raises serious questions about the administration’s priorities.
Adding to the controversy is the unclear status of Prof. Warfa as Vice Chancellor.
By law, his term should have ended, yet official documents and communication still refer to him as the VC.
This has fueled speculation that he may have been quietly awarded another term, a move that goes against public expectations and raises concerns about accountability.
For years, Garissa University has been plagued by allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption.
Investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and reports from the Controller of Budget have pointed to serious irregularities, yet no meaningful action has been taken.
Many now question whether powerful figures within the Ministry of Education or other government agencies are protecting Prof. Warfa.
Students, staff, and the public are demanding answers.
One staff member, speaking anonymously, said, “Instead of fixing the problems facing the university, they are focusing on punishing those who speak out. This is not leadership; it’s suppression.”
Garissa University is at a critical juncture.
The ongoing purge of staff, combined with the leadership crisis, has put its future in jeopardy.
The Ministry of Education must act decisively to restore order and ensure that the institution is governed with transparency and integrity.
The question remains: will the government intervene to save Garissa University, or will it allow the institution to crumble under the weight of mismanagement and impunity?
For now, the silence from those in power is a loud indictment of the state of higher education governance in Kenya.
With a knack for captivating storytelling, Amos Lumbasi has a talent for crafting narratives that resonate with readers. He combines meticulous research with a captivating writing style to create articles that are both informative and enjoyable to read.
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