Mara Heist: Anger as University Fires Whistleblower

Kenyans expressed sustained anger for the better part of Saturday, June 19, 2021, after it emerged that Maasai Mara University’s Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Spencer Sankale Ololchike , the famed ‘Mara Heist’ whistleblower, had been fired for exposing corruption at the institution.

Sankale was sucked by the university over a number of charges – among them incitement and  sustained insolence towards his employer.

The former CFO was also accused of cyber bullying, malicious misrepresentation of his employer, libel and defamation maligning the image and reputation of the university. Sustained disregard of university standards and procedures, sustained incitement of university staff and the public against his employer, gross insubordination and failure to act in the best interest of the university.

“Due to the above, the Council resolved to terminate your employment with immediate effect,” Chairman of the council Kenned Kerei said.

“You are requested to clear with the university by completing and returning the attached form,” he added.

The termination comes nearly two years after the Mara Heist was run. The exposé was run by Citizen TV on September 1, 2019.

The expose showed how the University Vice-Chancellor Mary Walingo was at the centre of an alleged scandal that saw the university lose millions of shillings.

Students and Kenyans in general took to social media to express their dismay following Sankale’s sacking.

“It’s incredible that this is happening to a whistle-blower after all the commitment by Govt to fight corruption.”
“We condemn the arrogance and audacity from Maasai Mara University Council for dismissing Spencer Sankale after exposing Mara heist. We need Whistle-blower act to protect patriots from the system.”
“Unfortunate news on the sacking of Spencer Sankale who played a key role in whistle blowing the heist in Maasai Mara University. This move shows how our university administrators are engulfed with filth and pure greed.”
We condemn the arrogance and audacity from Maasai Mara University Council for dismissing Spencer Sankale after exposing Mara heist. We need Whistle-blower act to protect patriots from the system.”
The government is not your agemate bana. To whistle blow as it’s employee hizo wachia kina Miguna kina Boniface Mwangi,Edgar obare and journalists who have nothing to loose. Fanya kazi kula riziki yako kwa kipole.”
“Y’all remember the famous Maasai Mara University heist? Well,the whistleblower finally got dismissed. Spencer Sankale is jobless now and the corrupt are still in office. Wow!”
Maasai Mara University has clearly shown how less they care about integrity by firing Spencer Sankale, How is such an institution supposed to instill good morals to it’s students.” read some of the messages.