Daystar University VC sent on leave after student unrest

Daystar University Vice Chancellor Prof. Timothy Wachira has been sent on sabbatical leave pending investigations over allegations raised against him by student leaders, the varsity’s Council ordered on Monday.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Prof. James Kombo will take over from the VC in an acting capacity with immediate effect, the Council further directed.

An email memo sent to students by the Council Chair Prof. George Krhoda also stated that investigations into the allegations against the VC raised by the student government ought to conclude by mid-February 2018.

“Council directed an independent investigation to be conducted on the allegations raised by the student government and a report to be handed in not later than February 15, 2018,” the memo reads in part.

The institution’s chief governance body also directed the varsity’s Senate to set new school dates following what the Council termed as “students’ unrest and disruption of the University calendar.”

“Senate to provide a revised University calendar to be effective from January 2018,” the memo further reads.

This comes in the wake of a students’ boycott of classes at the varsity’s two campuses at Athi River and Nairobi (Valley Road) that began over a month ago.

Students reportedly took to the streets and to social media on November 16, demanding among other things for the resignation of the VC.

Valley Road students converge at Freedom Corner.
We kick off at 10am.
Class attendance will NOT be taken!
Students, it is up to us to be the change we want to see.
The only organ with power to change things permanently is the University Council#DaystarUniRot#DaystarLivesMatter

— D.U.S.A (@DusaAthiRiver) November 16, 2017

The Daystar Senate then proceeded to indefinitely close the university on November 17, but the school was reopened on November 29.

It is alleged that soon after the reopening, the boycott planned by the student leaders gained momentum among both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with support also being garnered from a section of parents, staff and alumni.

The situation reportedly escalated with operations at both campuses coming to a standstill during the week beginning December 4. The school newspaper reported that a scheduled audit of the university by the Commission for University Education was set to take place beginning December 5.

The last communication to students from Prof. Timothy Wachira before being sent on sabbatical leave was on December 8 where he informed staff and students of Senate’s decision to close the university for the second time in less than a month.

“Senate has closed the university for Christmas holidays. The August 2017 semester shall be completed in January 2018. The opening date for the January 2018 semester shall be communicated in due course,” the Daystar VC had said.