Transparency International (TI) has condemned the reinstatement of Maasai Mara University Vice Chancellor Prof. Mary Walingo.
Prof Walingo was reinstated by the Public Service Commission on Tuesday.
The anti-corruption watchdog, with global presence, termed the reinstatement as an insult to Kenya’s constitution and more so the ethical and moral values that govern the assumption of office for civil servants.
“It has come to our attention that PSC has today reinstated Prof. Mary Walingo to her former position as Vice Chancellor of Mara University who is currently facing criminal & corruption charges in court,” TI Kenya tweeted.
We hold that Prof. Mary Walingo’s reinstatement is an affront to the ethical and moral values of our constitution. We will seek to pursue legal action necessary to ensure the integrity of public office is protected.
The Maasai Mara loot
Prof. Walingo was sent on leave in 2019 when she was implicated in a Ksh.177 million corruption scandal dubbed the ‘Mara Heist’.
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.
“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,” PSC CEO Simon Rotich
TI called upon the Kenyan Judiciary and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to expedite #TheMaraHeist corruption case because other whistleblowers involved in the case, who unfortunately lost their jobs, deserve fair hearing.
1/4 It has come to our attention that the @PSCKenya has today reinstated Prof. Mary Walingo to her former position as Vice Chancellor of @MMaraUniversity. https://t.co/rAzCQoaynd @AmnestyKenya @ICPAK_Kenya
— TI-Kenya (@TIKenya) September 7, 2022
