Maasai Mara University Council has accused Spencer Sankale of misappropriating Ksh85 million.
Sankale is famed for whistleblowing on the multi-million Mara Heist.
He was fired last month by the university and is now challenging the sacking in court.
Maaasi Mara University Council chairman Kennedy Kerei told the court that the institution lost Ksh85 million, which Sankale withdrew while working as a Finance Officer between January 2015 and January 2016.
Kerei alleged in court documents that Sankale lived a lavish lifestyle- driving fancy cars and owning multiple businesses in Narok town.
He also questioned the extravagant lifestyle, pointing out that the whistleblower’s earnings from the university could not support the businesses.
“As a result, he has acquired so much wealth whose source is questionable. It is alleged that he owns a restaurant in Narok town, commercial buildings in Narok town, land within and outside Narok, which businesses require a huge amount of capital to start,” Kerei stated.
Kerei also detailed that the university had recognized Sankale’s role in uncovering graft within the institution and promoted him to acting chief internal auditor from a senior accountant position.
“The elevation was to give him unrestricted access to all information, including confidential information of the university so that he would directly report to the council any anomalies for immediate corrective action in terms of the human resource policy of 2018,” the university council chairman stated.
The Maasai Mara University Council in a letter dated June 16, said that it found Sankale guilty of gross misconduct.
The council cited that Sankale had nine cases of gross misconduct, all of which proved he is not fit to continue serving at the institution.
Among the issues raised by the council were sustained insolence against his employer, malicious misrepresentation of his employer, libel and defamation, and falsely accusing the image and reputation of the university.
He was also found guilty of sustained disregard of university standards and procedures, sustained incitement of university staff and the general public against his employer, sustained insubordination, and failure to act in the university’s best interest.
“Due to the aforementioned, the Council resolved to summarily terminate your employment with the university with immediate effect, in accordance with section 44 (4)(d)(g) of the Employment Act,” read the dismissal letter by University Chairman.
A week after his sacking, he landed a role as an associate member in the African Parliamentarian’s Network Against Corruption (APNAC).
