Governor Waititu graduates with master's degree

Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu graduated with a Master of Business Administration, human resource management option, from the Kenya Methodist University.

Governor Waititu was the main attraction at KeMU's 17th graduation where more than 2,800 graduands were conferred with PHDs, bachelor's degrees and diplomas in various disciplines.

Mr Waititu, whose university education from India has been marred by controversy, was kept busy throughout the ceremony by fellow graduands wanting to take selfies with him.

CONTROVERSY
Also among the graduands was Kenya National Union of Teachers chairman Mudzo Nzili.

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi was the chief guest.

Mr Waititu said his graduation marks the end of the controversy that has marked part of his political career.

"I am very delighted to graduate with an MBA. At least people who have seen me with gowns during the day can attest that I have graduated.

"Those who have been questioning my papers can confirm from KeMU University," Mr Waititu said.

He added: "I am now better equipped to serve the people of Kiambu County."

READ: Kabogo sues Waititu over varsity degree

READ: Blow for Kabogo after court dismisses case against Waititu

FORGERY
He attributed his success to hard work.

"I wake up very early in the morning to study for about two hours before I start my normal day.

"It was very tough but I am glad to have graduated today," he said.

In December last year, the High Court threw out a case filed by former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo who had accused the fiery politician of forging his academic certificates.

KABOGO
Justice Joseph Onguto said the issue had already been handled by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission when Mr Waititu first sought to vie for Nairobi governorship in 2013, rendering his court without jurisdiction on the matter.

Mr Waititu has since filed a case seeking Sh50.9 million from Mr Kabogo as legal costs after the former governor lost the case.

The governor maintains that he studied at Panjab University, India, in the 1980s and once showed a bachelor's degree certificate with the name Clifford Ndung’u Waititu, whom he argued was him, as well as an undated photograph of himself at the graduation ceremony.

TRANSFORM
Panjab University has since confirmed that one Clifford Ndung’u Waititu was their student and qualified for the award of B-Com degree after completing the course.

Meanwhile, KeMU Chancellor Joseph Ntombura said despite the leadership and governance challenges that have faced the institution, it is in the course of transformation.

"Since I took over as the chancellor four years ago, I strive to restore the glory of the university.

"We are implementing strategic changes by streamlining leadership and are dedicated to turn around the university," Bishop Ntombura said.

INNOVATION
He said the university council is reviewing academic programmes to make them more market driven and relevant to the modern challenges.

The council chairman, Dr Charles Mbui, said the institution would soon set up an innovation hub.

He said the university is looking for more funding options as it is no longer tenable to depend on money raised from students to steer its development projects.

CAMPUSES
Governor Murungi said his administration would continue partnering with KeMU in training of health professionals by improving facilities at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital.

"We have plans to make Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital a top training facility by collaborating with the university.

"We want KeMU to produce highly qualified doctors and other professionals who will transform our society," Mr Murungi said.

KeMU, which is now led by acting Vice Chancellor Maurice Okoth, has had been undertaking a restructuring process to enhance its effectiveness and competitiveness that led to staff lay offs and closure of several campuses.