Nairobi (Kenya) – The University of Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following three days of violent protest over disputed student union elections.
The resolution to close the university was reached following a meeting between the university’s Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Mbithi and Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The meeting at Jogoo House was also attended by the Country’s Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and members of the university Senate.
A statement issued by Professor Mbithi stated that, “Following the continued disruption of normal university functions by groups of unruly students, the Senate at its special meeting held today April 5th has resolved to close the university indefinitely.”
All students were ordered to vacate the campuses by 5pm.
The closure affects all University of Nairobi campuses and deals a big blow to the students who were set to sit for their semester examinations from Monday next week.
Chaos started on Saturday when the students launched demonstrating to protest the re-election of Babu Owino as their union chairman, claiming the polls were rigged.
Professor Mbithi believes the Union chaos were instigated by external forces after three Opposition MPs went to address the students at the institution’s main campus in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to an official privy to the Senate resolutions.
The university was closed even as police launched a probe into the chaos which they said were orchestrated by gang members amongst the students, after some of them were arrested with weapons.
Source: capital FM
