Prof Bitange Ndemo withdraws from UoN VC race, cites irregularities

Prof Bitange Ndemo has officially withdrawn from the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor race over what he terms as irregularities in the selection process.

Ndemo, who is Kenya’s current Ambassador to Belgium, further cited procedural irregularities in the appointment process.

In a statement shared on his LinkedIn account, Ndemo revealed he was among the five shortlisted candidates and had emerged as one of the three finalists following interviews held on March 21, 2025.

READ: Why Bitange Ndemo could be the next University of Nairobi VC

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He said he was informed of his appointment on May 5 through a letter from the University Council Chair, Prof Amukowa Anangwe.

However, Ndemo noted that the appointment lacked the requisite concurrence from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba, as required by law.

Despite assurances from Prof Anangwe that the necessary documents had been submitted, Ndemo described the process as unprocedural and announced he would not be part of it.

“I dissociate myself from this unprocedural process and have withdrawn my candidacy for the position,” he stated.

The Council Chair had reportedly already designated Prof Mulaa to act as VC pending Ndemo’s release from diplomatic duties—a move that further raised eyebrows and triggered widespread reactions online.

In a letter dated May 2, 2025 and addressed to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the university’s council chairperson, Amukowa Anangwe, announced that Ndemo had scored the highest in the recruitment process conducted by PSC, making him the leading nominee for the VC position.

“The chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council appoints Prof Elijah Bitange Ndemo, ID/NO. 382824, as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi with effect from 2nd May, 2025, subject to ratification by the Council,” the letter reads.

Prof Anangwe has now called on the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, to finalise the appointment process.

According to the letter seen by the Standard, Ndemo emerged top in a PSC merit list with a score of 84 per cent, ahead of Prof Duke Orata (73 per cent) and Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa (66.7 per cent). 

The council’s decision comes amid leadership wrangles that have rocked the institution in the past two years and saw the expulsion of former VC Stephen Kiama.

The Education CS also attempted to dismiss Anangwe from office after complaints that he was interfering with the university’s operations and encroaching on the vice chancellor’s mandate.

Anangwe, however, got court orders reinstating him as chairman until the case challenging his removal is heard and determined.

Ogamba has since revoked the appointment of four members of the university’s council, effective April 11.

ALSO READ: UoN gets new acting VC amid leadership wrangles

In his letter, however, Anangwe argues the council remains properly constituted based on the court order that reinstated him.

“The said court orders are attached for your reference,” wrote Anangwe.

Alongside Ndemo, the council also announced the appointment of Francis Jackim Mulaa as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, effective May 2. Prof Mulaa led the PSC shortlist for that role with 83.5 per cent, followed by John Demesi Mande (82 per cent) and Duke Orata (81 per cent).

“In strict adherence to the PSC merit list and in order to minimise the risk of potential litigations, the chairperson appoints Prof Francis Jackim Mulaa, ID/NO. 5599446, as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs,” the letter reads.

The council noted that acting appointments for Prof Margaret Jesang Hutchinson as VC, Mulaa, and Prof Ayub Njoroge Gitau as acting Deputy VCs would cease on May 3, 2025.

The individuals are expected to return to their substantive university roles.

With the current development, the University of Nairobi is now expected to reassess its succession process as the race for the top job takes a fresh twist.