A Kiambu High Court judge has recused herself from hearing two cases filed by Kenyatta University Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Waceke Wanjohi, citing an attempted visit to her chambers by lawyer Steve Ogolla, who represents Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in the matter.
Justice Margaret Njoki Mwangi on 20th May 2026 disqualified herself from the consolidated matters, which challenge the process of appointing a new vice chancellor at Kenyatta University and seek the renewal of Professor Wanjohi’s contract as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
The judge said her decision followed an incident on Tuesday, May 19, when advocate Steve Ogolla allegedly went to the Kiambu High Court seeking to speak with her regarding the pending applications.
“Mr Steve Ogolla yesterday, May 19, 2026, came to Kiambu High Court, wherein he communicated to my aide that he wanted to see me, a request that I declined,” Justice Mwangi stated in court.
When the matter came up for directions, the judge asked Ogolla to explain the circumstances surrounding the attempted meeting. According to the court, the lawyer said he intended to inform the judge that he would make an oral application seeking to discharge interim orders previously issued in favour of Professor Wanjohi.
“The said advocate having explained in court today that he wanted to see me to inform me that he would be making an oral application today for the discharge of ex parte orders, I hereby disqualify myself from this matter,” Justice Mwangi ruled.
The judge subsequently referred the case to a different Judge for further directions and determination. The preliminary objections are set to be heard on June 23, 2026.
The recusal comes amid an escalating legal battle over the leadership of Kenyatta University, where Professor Wanjohi has successfully secured interim orders halting the appointment of a new vice chancellor.
Before stepping aside, Justice Mwangi had extended orders barring Education CS Julius Ogamba, the Public Service Commission and the Kenyatta University Council from filling the vacant vice chancellor position pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The court also allowed an application by Professor Wanjohi’s lawyer, advocate Christopher Mutuku, to consolidate the two suits for joint hearing, noting that they involved similar parties and issues.
“In my considered view, all those issues can be heard together and determined together,” Justice Mwangi ruled, adding that the lead file would be High Court Judicial Review Case No. E015 of 2026.
The interim orders issued in both matters were also extended and were to remain in force until discharged by the court.
Professor Wanjohi argues that she is the most qualified candidate for the vice chancellor position, having allegedly emerged the top candidate during interviews conducted on March 25, 2026.
In court papers filed through advocate Mutuku, the deputy vice chancellor claims there have been deliberate efforts to block her appointment despite her qualifications and performance.
The dispute further widened after the Kenyatta University Council informed her through a letter dated April 29, 2026, that her contract as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, which expires on July 31, 2026, would not be renewed.
Justice Mwangi had earlier issued conservatory orders directing the council to renew Professor Wanjohi’s contract pending the determination of the matter.
Lawyer Mutuku accused the university council of attempting to circumvent court orders by refusing to renew Wanjohi’s contract.
“In a bid to defeat the orders of prohibition issued by the court in HCJR No. E015/2026, the 4th respondent has resorted to underhand and unorthodox tactics unbefitting of the management of an academic institution of the stature of Kenyatta University,” part of the application reads.
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