Prof Solomon Shibairo…..Photo/courtesy.
By IP Investigative Reporter
July 23, 2025 | Kakamega, Kenya
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is in the eye of yet another storm, with damning revelations exposing entrenched corruption, academic fraud, and power plays at the institution’s highest levels.
At the heart of the unfolding scandal is Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo, who is accused of attempting to reinstate a disgraced former lecturer, Fidelis Mambo, previously sacked for exam manipulation and gross misconduct.
The move, sources allege, is aimed at covering up a wider rot involving university leadership.
Attempted Reinstatement to Silence a Whistleblower?
Fidelis Mambo, a former academic staff member in the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, was dismissed after being implicated in altering student marks for cash and sexual favors.
Now, documents and insider testimony suggest that Prof. Shibairo is pushing for Mambo’s return to suppress further revelations about financial mismanagement and academic fraud.
“Mambo knows too much. If he talks, heads will roll,” a senior university insider said. “The VC is trying to buy his silence.”
Meetings to plot his comeback are reported to have taken place at local hotels, involving key figures such as Dr. Dennis Ochieno and MMUST UASU Chair Ronald Wamalwa.
Their agenda allegedly includes shielding the VC from scrutiny by internal and external investigators.
Exam Fraud: The Tip of the Iceberg
Mambo, alongside Dr. David Kaniaru and Mr. Robert Ouma, was implicated in manipulating student marks in 2024 for courses HCM 411, HCM 416, and HCM 226.
Mobile money records showed bribes changing hands, with some students graduating under false academic credentials.
In one case, Ksh30,000 was paid to Ouma with a further Ksh70,000 allegedly earmarked for distribution across departments, including finance and examinations.
The fraudulent grades have triggered concerns about the qualifications of graduates now working in Kenya’s medical sector.
“This is not just academic malpractice. It’s a public health crisis,” a whistleblower said.
Tribalism in University Discipline?
While Mambo’s return appears imminent, Dr. Kaniaru’s case has stalled.
Sources claim this is due to tribal favoritism, with insiders suggesting that Mambo benefits from being part of the dominant Luhya community, whereas Kaniaru does not.
Shibairo’s Shaky Leadership
Prof. Shibairo was previously sent on compulsory leave by the MMUST Council in March 2024 over similar accusations of mismanagement.
During his absence, Prof. Charles Mutai was appointed acting VC. But the tide shifted following political intervention tied to Wycliffe Oparanya’s appointment as Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives.
Council Chair Dr. Pamela Sitienei allegedly awarded an honorary degree to Oparanya to secure political goodwill. Prof. Mutai was subsequently redeployed to Bomet University College, clearing the path for Shibairo’s return.
The Fall of MMUST FM.
MMUST FM, once a vibrant university radio station used for journalism training and outreach, is now a shell of its former self. Journalism students who pay over Ksh10,000 annually for practical training have been left without functional resources.
Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing, has been accused of orchestrating the station’s decline to benefit Lubao FM — a privately owned station with ties to university insiders that now enjoys institutional support.
“MMUST FM has been killed on purpose. Students are paying for air,” a lecturer said.
Council Chair Accused of Overreach
Dr. Sitienei is facing accusations of micromanagement and interfering in operational decisions.
Critics claim she undermines the VC by involving herself in academic staffing, salary processing, and procurement.
Her alleged interference reportedly stalled key development projects and delayed staff salaries, now often paid after the 1st of each month instead of the usual 24th. Research funds and performance contracting have also suffered under her leadership.
Her proposal to replace Prof. Mutai with Prof. Gladys Mengich — seen as politically motivated — was met with resistance from Kakamega County leaders, who demanded a local representation in university leadership. Prof. Peter Bukhala was eventually installed as acting DVC PRI.
Other names reportedly being considered for senior leadership roles include Prof. Stephen Odebero, Prof. Josephine Ngaira, and Prof. Judith Achoka.
Legal Petition in Court.
The growing crisis has spilled into court. In Petition No. E009 of 2024, former MMUST staff member John Simiyu Litiema is challenging the appointments of Prof. Shibairo, Dr. Sitienei, and three deputy vice chancellors at the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kakamega.
Litiema argues the appointments were unconstitutional and lacked transparency. He also contends that Prof. Shibairo’s appointment was never gazetted and that Dr. Sitienei lacks the academic and professional credentials required for her role.
The petition calls for the refund of all salaries paid to the respondents and for their positions to be declared vacant.
Justice David Nderitu has directed the university to respond to the petition within 21 days. A date for judgment is expected to be set during the next hearing on May 13, 2025.
As the scandal unfolds, MMUST’s credibility as a public institution is hanging by a thread, with its leadership accused of sacrificing ethics and governance at the altar of power, tribal loyalty, and impunity.
Ends.
