Acting Maasai Mara University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joseph Chacha has issued a notice to all staff members, warning them not to recognise the presence of or to adhere to any duties accorded to them by Prof. Mary Walingo, the former Vice-Chancellor.

In a memo dated January 31, 2023, Prof. Chacha notifies the staff members that Prof. Walingo has not been reinstated by the university and that she remains barred from accessing the university premises.

“You are hereby notified that Prof. Mary Walingo has not been reinstated by the University Council, neither are there orders given by court directing her physical resumption of duty,” reads the memo.

The memo further states: “The University has orders in place barring her from accessing the University and staying the decision of her reinstatement to work on suspension basis by the Public Service Commission (PSC).”

The memo issued by the acting VC comes despite an order by the Public Service Commission directing that Prof. Walingo be reinstated back to her position pending the hearing and determination of a corruption case against her or until her contract is terminated in compliance with the law.

On behalf of the university council, Acting Maasai Mara VC Prof. Joseph Chacha states ted that Prof. Walingo has not been officially cleared by the court and her job resumption is not on any official approval and thereby terms her access to the university premises as “irregular and illegal”.

In the memo, the Acting VC warned staff members against aiding or abetting Prof. Walingo’s entry into the university, adding that anyone found culpable will be held liable.

“… it has been noted with concern that some members of staff are aiding and abetting Prof.Walingo's entry into the University, thus interfering with the normal operations of the University. You are notified that such acts border on insubordination of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and the University Council, and as such, individuals will be held liable for their actions,” states Prof. Chacha.

Walingo was sent on leave in 2019 when she was implicated in an alleged Ksh.177 million corruption scandal dubbed the 'Mara Heist' in a Citizen TV exposé.

She was charged alongside four other officials from the university for withdrawing money irregularly in crimes dating back to 2016. She was ordered to step aside as investigations ensued.

However, in September last year, the Public Service Commission PSC) directed that Walingo be reinstated back to her position pending a hearing and determination of the case against her.

PSC Chief Executive Officer Simon Rotich further directed that Walingo be paid half of her salary and allowances from the date of her suspension.

"The appellant be reinstated back to her employment on suspension pending the hearing and determination of the Anti-Corruption Case and/or until her contract is lawfully terminated," read part of the statement.

Upon her dismissal, Walingo was succeeded by Prof Kitche Magak who was later replaced by Joseph Chacha in January 2022.