Vice-Chancellor Demoted Over Questionable Degree
Kitche Onyango Magak, the former Vice-Chancellor of Masai Mara University, is now the subject of investigations into the truth behind his PhD.
According to media reports, Magak was demoted from his acting VC position after it was discovered that he obtained his degree from Washington International University (WIU), which is not recognized by Kenya’s Commission for University Education.
Magak was appointed as acting VC to replace Prof Mary Walingo, who was fired in 2019 to allow for investigations into corruption at the institution.
Both the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are now looking into the professor (DCI).
His problems began in 2021, when new complaints surfaced about the then-acting VC’s qualifications to hold the position of leadership.
The complainants specifically informed Education CS Prof George Magoha that Magak lacked a valid PhD certificate, prompting an investigation into his conduct.
The Oregon Office of Degree Authorisation stated on its website in October 2012 that the university has not sought educational accreditation, and there is no campus adding that WIU is located in the British Virgin Islands and that its degrees are not recognized.
Former Maasai Mara University Vice-Chancellor Kitche Onyango Magak
“As a centre that is mandated to combat cheating, plagiarism, academic dishonesty and champion for integrity, we, therefore, urge you to take necessary action,’’ the team urged Magoha.
According to a letter from the Department of Education in the State of Hawaii, WIU was closed down by the state in 2015 after only a short time as a Diploma college.
“Note, therefore that, there is no university by the name of Washington International University (WIU) in the state of Hawaii or Pennsylvania,” read the statement from the State of Hawaii.
The outgoing professor was replaced in an acting capacity by Professor Joseph Chacha, who also promised to restore the embattled institution to its former glory.
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“I was the pioneer of this university and it feels great to be back here. I promise to create a leadership system that will ensure teamwork with all the staff, both academic and non-teaching staff.
“We need to redeem the image of this great university,” stated Chacha while taking over.
Vice-Chancellor Demoted Over Questionable Degree
