KIAMBU, Kenya — Justice Margaret Njoki has recused herself from hearing two cases filed over the recruitment of the next vice-chancellor of Kenyatta University following an alleged attempt by lawyer Steve Ogolla to meet her privately before court proceedings.
The cases were filed by Kenyatta University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Waceke Wanjohi, who is seeking to halt the process of appointing a new vice-chancellor at the institution.
Professor Wanjohi also wants the university council to compel it to renew her contract as deputy vice-chancellor before it expires on July 31, 2026.
The court had earlier issued interim orders in her favour.
Judge Reveals Attempted Meeting
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday at the Kiambu High Court, Justice Njoki disclosed that advocate Ogolla visited the court on May 19 and informed her aide that he wished to see her regarding the pending matter.
“Steve Ogolla, yesterday, May 19, 2026, came to the Kiambu High Court, wherein he communicated to my aide that he wanted to see me, a request that I declined,” the judge stated.
When the matter came up for hearing, Justice Njoki directed Ogolla, who represents Julius Ogamba, to explain the circumstances surrounding the attempted meeting.
According to the judge, Ogolla informed the court that he intended to notify her that he would make an oral application seeking to discharge the interim orders previously granted.
“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 Njoki ruled.
Case Reassigned
Following her recusal, the judge directed that the files be placed before Courtroom Number Three for further handling and determination.
The court also scheduled the hearing of preliminary objections in the matter for June 23, 2026.
