Prof. Bitange Ndemo, Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, has officially rejected his appointment as Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the University of Nairobi, citing an unprocedural and legally inconsistent selection process.
In a statement that has stirred debate across Kenya’s academic and political spaces, Prof. Ndemo dissociated himself from the role just a day after the University of Nairobi Council confirmed him as the incoming VC.
“The announcement triggered a flood of congratulatory messages on social media. However, I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position,” the ambassador declared.
The University of Nairobi VC appointment had been expected to end nearly two years of leadership instability. The Council named Prof. Ndemo as successor to Acting VC Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, indicating he would take office after returning from his ambassadorial post in Brussels.
However, Ndemo said he had raised legal concerns immediately after receiving the appointment letter from Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, Chairman of the University Council.
“On May 5, I received a letter from Prof. Anangwe appointing me as VC. I sought confirmation on whether the Education Cabinet Secretary had given the required concurrence, as outlined by law,” said Prof. Ndemo. “He assured me the documents had just been submitted. Even so, the inconsistencies prompted me to withdraw.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Francis Mulaa was already designated to serve as acting Vice-Chancellor until Ndemo’s expected return.
Political reactions followed swiftly. Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, publicly supported Ndemo’s stance:
“Thank you, Prof. Bitange Ndemo, for insisting on the right process and the law. Thank you for rejecting the push by some who wanted to act against the law,” Itumbi wrote.
The move adds another chapter to the leadership crisis at the University of Nairobi, which has experienced frequent wrangles and administrative shifts in recent years.