This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
On September 12, 2019, MAASAI MARA University made a significant change in leadership, replacing embattled Vice-Chancellor Mary Walingo amidst the Mara Heist scandal.
Prof Magak, a senior professor in the school of arts and former head of the university's endowment fund, has been appointed to hold the position for three months until investigations into claims of embezzlement of funds at the institution are complete.
According to sources, Prof Magak will oversee the university's operations during this period, ensuring a smooth transition and allowing for a thorough investigation into the allegations.
Incumbent deputy vice-chancellors will continue to hold their positions, and staff members who were recently interrogated at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Nairobi will also be allowed to continue their work.
Former top officials who served between 2016 and 2018 have been summoned to write statements, and the council members will be questioned next week.
Dr. Samuel Agonda Ochola, the council chairman, assured the staff that no one would be victimized during the investigation process, stating, 'No staff will be victimized as we will use an internal mechanism to deal with those involved.'
The Mara Heist scandal, which led to the embezzlement of Sh 190 million from the institution's bank accounts, has implicated several individuals, including Prof Walingo, the university's Finance Officer Anaclet Okumu, and Prof Walingo's driver Abdi Noor Hassan.
The scandal was exposed by whistleblowers within the institution, led by Spencer Sankale, who served as the Acting Finance Officer before his demotion in August 2017.
