The termination of Prof. Stephen Kiama’s tenure as Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi (UoN) on September 27 has sparked a wave of intrigue and speculation.
It appears that behind the scenes, a power struggle has emerged, with key figures such as Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson and her close associate, Brian Ouma, emerging at the forefront of the controversy.
Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, previously the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research Innovation and Enterprise (RIE), was appointed acting VC following Kiama’s suspension on August 2, 2024.
The decision came after months of tension between Kiama and the university council.
The suspension was linked to allegations of misconduct and insubordination, leading to a formal disciplinary process.
This came after a prolonged standoff, where Kiama had repeatedly clashed with the council on various governance issues, including attempts to put him on compulsory leave.
Despite his efforts to regain control of the VC office, including a dramatic return in early August, Kiama was denied access by armed police.Jesang’s sudden rise to power has fueled speculation about her role in orchestrating Kiama’s exit.
As the acting VC, she has been tasked with overseeing the university’s affairs during the three-month suspension.
Many view this move as part of a broader strategy to permanently oust Kiama from his role, potentially paving the way for Jesang to assume the position on a full-time basis.
Her position as the head of RIE and her influence within the university administration made her a key figure in the ongoing power struggle.
Additionally, Brian Ouma, a key ally of Jesang and often referred to as her “spanner boy”, is believed to have played a crucial role in maneuvering behind the scenes to solidify her ascent to power.
The university council, led by Amukowa Anangwe, has faced criticism for how the situation has been handled.
While Kiama’s suspension has been justified on the grounds of disciplinary action, many within the academic community suspect that internal politics and personal ambitions have driven these developments.
Jesang’s temporary appointment, alongside the restructuring of key positions within the administration, has raised questions about the transparency and fairness of the council’s decisions.
The coming months will likely determine whether Kiama will make a successful return or if Jesang will solidify her hold on the top leadership position at UoN.
The removal of Prof. Kiama from the VC position appears to be the result of a well-orchestrated campaign led by Prof. Jesang Hutchinson, with significant involvement from Brian Ouma.
The situation continues to develop, and the academic community is closely watching how this power struggle will ultimately come to be.
Add Comment