Justice Nderitu has directed that all parties to the petition be served and appear before him on December 10 for further directions. This development leaves the university’s plans for the graduation ceremony hanging in the balance
Preparations for Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) 21st graduation ceremony have been thrown into turmoil following a lawsuit that questions the legitimacy of the institution’s top leadership.
A Kakamega resident, Johnson Litiema, has filed a suit at the Kakamega High Court, seeking to invalidate the appointments of MMUST’s Council Chairperson, Dr. Pamela Sitienei, and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. The graduation ceremony, slated for December 11, now faces uncertainty as the legal proceedings unfold.
In his court filing before Justice David Nderitu, Litiema has raised serious concerns about the qualifications and appointment processes for the two officials. He claims Dr. Sitienei does not hold an earned doctorate from any recognized university, which he argues is a mandatory qualification for her position. According to Litiema, Dr. Sitienei’s only doctorate is an honorary one in divinity from My Life Bible College in Maryland, USA.
Regarding Prof. Shibairo, Litiema asserts that his appointment as Vice Chancellor in November 2021 was not properly gazetted, rendering it legally questionable. He states that despite requesting the university to provide proof of qualifications and gazette notices, the institution failed to respond, prompting his legal action.
Injunction Sought Against Graduation
Litiema is seeking an injunction to halt the upcoming graduation ceremony until the court hears and determines his petition. He has also requested orders to:
- Quash Gazette Notice No. 6762 that appointed Dr. Sitienei as Council Chairperson.
- Restrain Dr. Sitienei and Prof. Shibairo from implementing any actions or policies on behalf of MMUST.
- Compel the two officials to refund all salaries, allowances, and other benefits earned during their tenure.
- Declare vacant the positions of Council Chair and Vice Chancellor to allow for competitive recruitment in compliance with the law.
- Nullify all decisions and appointments made by the VC and Council Chair, including the appointment of key university officials such as Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrars, and the Internal Auditor.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Justice Nderitu has directed that all parties to the petition be served and appear before him on December 10 for further directions. This development leaves the university’s plans for the graduation ceremony hanging in the balance. The lawsuit raises significant concerns about governance and transparency at MMUST. If the court rules in Litiema’s favour, the university could face administrative paralysis, with decisions and appointments by the two officials rendered null and void. Additionally, the delayed graduation ceremony could disrupt plans for hundreds of graduates and their families.
As the legal battle unfolds, stakeholders at MMUST and beyond are watching closely. This case underscores the importance of adhering to legal frameworks and maintaining transparency in academic institutions to safeguard their integrity and the interests of their communities.
