Following protests by students that led to the closure of Meru University on Monday, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has ordered the reinstatement of Romanus Odhiambo as Vice-Chancellor.
Machogu termed the decision to suspend Odhiambo as ill-termed and directed the university council to rescind the decision to send Odhiambo on terminal leave and to appoint an acting VC.
The council had evaluated Odhiambo’s performance and found it to be below expectations, declining to renew his contract as requested.
However, students claimed the decision was politically motivated and demanded Odhiambo’s immediate reinstatement.
Students’ organization president Kariuki Wachira led the demonstration and engaged police in running battles on Monday morning.
Machogu directed the council to facilitate the resumption of Odhiambo as VC with immediate effect, before the closure of business on March 7.
