Garissa University VC Accused of Intimidating Whistleblowers Through Threatening Memo
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Garissa University’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed Osman Warfa, finds himself at the center of a storm as damning allegations of mismanagement and corruption dominate the institution’s headlines.
A three-day probe by the Ministry of Education and Commission for University Education (CUE) has left staff, students, and the public demanding accountability for years of alleged malpractice under Prof. Warfa’s leadership.
Rather than addressing these serious accusations, Prof. Warfa’s office has issued threats to staff who are “aiding” in exposing rot in the university, accusing them of “incitement” and promising severe consequences for any actions deemed “detrimental to the university’s reputation”.
Whistleblowers and reports paint a grim picture of an institution crippled by systemic failures, many of which are attributed to Prof. Warfa’s decade-long tenure. Some of the most shocking revelations include:
Inflated Project Costs: Under Prof. Warfa’s watch, a single toilet upgrade cost the university a staggering Ksh. 5.6 million. Millions more were spent on renovations and incomplete infrastructure projects.
Financial Shenanigans: Unauthorized use of mobile payment systems for fee collection bypassed approved financial protocols, raising red flags about transparency.
Nepotistic Recruitment: More than 90% of staff hires reportedly hail from the VC’s ethnic community, often with questionable qualifications and in direct contravention of fair employment policies.
Threats to Staff: A Desperate Deflection?
Instead of addressing these glaring issues, Prof. Warfa’s office released an internal memo shortly after the Ministry’s visit, accusing staff of spreading “rumors” and “working with outsiders” to tarnish the university’s image. The memo warned of “gross misconduct” charges and summary dismissal for anyone found guilty of incitement.
“Rather than taking responsibility, Prof. Warfa is resorting to intimidation,” said a senior staff member who requested anonymity. “These threats are a desperate attempt to silence those who have spoken out against corruption.”
Whistleblower’s Ultimatum
The whistleblower who initially exposed the alleged rot has vowed to take legal action if Prof. Warfa’s appointment as Vice Chancellor is confirmed.
The whistleblower accused the VC of using his position to enrich himself and his allies while leaving the university in a state of disrepair.
“Garissa University deserves better than this,” they said. “If justice is not served, I will ensure the courts hold him accountable.”
Public Outcry for Accountability
As the university waits for the Ministry’s report, the pressure on Prof. Warfa continues to mount.
Critics have lambasted his administration for turning Garissa University into a symbol of corruption and tribalism rather than a beacon of higher education.
“He’s failed on every front—financially, morally, and administratively,” revealed whistleblower. “It’s time for him to go.”
With the Ministry’s findings set to be released soon, the spotlight remains firmly on Prof. Warfa and his leadership. If the allegations are proven true, his tenure could mark one of the darkest periods in Garissa University’s history.
Nakuru Times will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.
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