Suspended Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Paula Wainana has been reinstated months after his suspension.
Speaking to the press after his return to the institution, Wainaina affirmed that his return was after an intervention with the current administration.
"For you to see me here alive it is a miracle, but I want to say this, that intervention has made it possible for me to stand here and say I’m back and we will handle the issues that made me go away," a joyful Wainaina said amid cheers from the crowd.
VC suspended
Wainaina was suspended over a land tussle with former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration on July 12, 2022.
At the time, President Uhuru Kenyatta blasted him for allegedly opposing the construction of the World Health Organization hub on the institution's land.
Wainaina opposed the decision stating that it was not in favour of the institution's interest. Following his suspension, Prof Waceke Wanjohi has been the acting VC.
“This is the last day I’m talking to you as a VC. I understand a new council is being formed to that effect. That has happened because the university council and I refused to cede KU land,” a teary Wainaina said.
The suspended VC noted that the state was determined to take over the land. He said the institution was instructed to surrender the title deeds to the lands ministry for re-planning and facilitating resolution.
“The letter by the Head of Public Service Kinyua had directed us to give the land to the hospital after a decision was made by cabinet. We have told the Education CS that the university council doesn’t have the capacity to give land, but to protect it,” Wainaina said at the time.
He added, "We told them that the land we have is planned and we even attached our strategic plans. There was no response. The letter indicated that 30 acres would be given to WHO for a project, 10 acres to the Centre for Disease Control, 180 acres to KUTRRH and another 190 acres would be used to settle Kamaye squatters."
