State House hand in Anangwe’s resignation from UoN

By Newsflash Writer

University of Nairobi Council chairperson Prof Amukowa Anangwe has officially resigned, bringing to a close weeks of high-level pressure and conflict over the university’s governance.

His resignation letter was received and accepted yesterday afternoon by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.

The move follows intense behind-the-scenes lobbying and pressure involving the University of Nairobi Professors Association and officials from State House. Their interventions ultimately resolved the prolonged standoff between the university council and the Ministry of Education, clearing the way for a fresh leadership team.

Cabinet Secretary Ogamba confirmed receiving Anangwe’s resignation along with those of two other council members. Sources revealed that the letters had been signed the previous Friday but could not be delivered immediately as Ogamba was out of the country.

On May 9, while speaking at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Ogamba promised to resolve the ongoing UoN crisis within a week. “The confusion at UoN is deterring financial support because stakeholders keep reaching out, seeking clarity. This issue stems from one individual, and I intend to deal with it,” he said.

Exactly one week later, on May 16, Anangwe, along with fellow council members Dr Ahmed Sheikh and Ms Carren Kerubo, were arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). They were accused of abusing their offices in the irregular reappointment of Mr Brian Ouma as the university’s Chief Operations Officer.

Ouma was also arrested and subsequently charged in court for allegedly receiving Sh32,459,406 in salaries while occupying multiple positions he was reportedly unqualified for. These included Deputy Director of Fundraising and Donor Relations, Director of University Advancement, and Acting COO.

Council exits amid legal storm

Seven days after their arrests, on May 23, Anangwe and his two colleagues formally stepped down. Insider accounts indicate that the Education CS was not acting in isolation. Multiple sources confirmed that State House and UoN professors had a hand in pushing the resignations.

The University of Nairobi Professors Association played a critical role in urging the trio to relinquish their positions. Association Chair Prof Peter Wasamba revealed they had been mediating between the Ministry and the council in an attempt to resolve the crisis. “We started as a group of seven professors but later expanded. When our internal efforts failed, we sought an audience with the Head of Public Service, Felix Kosgey,” he said.

The professors met Kosgey on May 22 at his office. After the meeting, they were asked to deliver a message to Prof. Anangwe and the other council members. Although specific details were not disclosed, one source indicated the message left them “with no choice but to resign.”

The association had grown increasingly concerned that Anangwe’s hardline approach was damaging the university’s image and academic standing. “The UoN Professors’ Association paid me a visit for a candid discussion on university governance,” said Kosgey. “I valued their insights, which will shape ongoing policy and institutional reforms. I assured them of the government’s commitment to resolving the governance issues at UoN.”

Ministry disowns Council decisions

Coinciding with Ogamba’s pledge to solve the university’s issues, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala released a firm statement distancing the Ministry from recent decisions by the council. These included the appointment of Prof Bitange Ndemo as Vice-Chancellor and the replacement of Prof Margaret Hutchinson with Prof Francis Mulaa as acting VC.

“To be clear, the Ministry of Education was not consulted by the University of Nairobi council on any of the appointments they announced,” Dr Inyangala said. She described Anangwe’s actions as “a blatant overreach” and warned that such conduct would not be tolerated.

The University Academic Staff Union (UASU), which had been in frequent conflict with the council, welcomed the resignations. “Though overdue, the departure of the council chair and remaining members is a necessary step. However, it has inflicted lasting harm on the university,” said Dr Maloba Wekesa, chair of UASU’s UoN chapter.

He stressed that council positions should be reserved for individuals with integrity and a spirit of public service. “We urge the Education CS to appoint people of unimpeachable character who reflect a commitment to the public good,” he added.

UASU also cautioned that the resignations should not be used to influence ongoing legal proceedings. “We hope the exit was not a bargaining chip to avoid accountability. For the sake of justice and institutional integrity, Anangwe and his team should face full prosecution,” Wekesa said.