Kenyatta University has been shut down until further notice following two days of student demonstrations.
In a memo issued on Tuesday, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul K. Wainaina stated that the Senate had reached the decision “following disturbances by some students that have led to the disruption of lectures and destruction of university property.”
“In view of the foregoing, all students are required to vacate the university premises immediately,” stated Prof. Wainaina.
Kenyatta University Students Association (KUSA) leader Joshua Ayika has, however, advised students to disregard the memo and instead await his address.
The students on Monday engaged police in running battles and caused a heavy traffic snarl-up on Thika Road as they staged a protest over welfare issues.
Led by their union boss Joshua Ayika, the learners reportedly demanded the resignation of Prof. Wainaina over what they termed as “historical injustices.”
Monday evening through the office of the V.C, the administration accused Mr Ayika of issuing a misleading circular without the concurrence of the rest of the Students Governing Council.
“The University Management apologizes to members of the public who were inconvenienced by the few unruly students who chose violence instead of engaging directly with the university administration through dialogue,” read the statement.
“For purposes of safety and security, all pedestrians including students and staff are expected to use the footbridges at the Nyayo Hostels located on our main campus as well as on the Thika superhighway.”
It further stated: “However, a few students were incited not to use the footbridge on the campus. The footbridges were put up by the Government at a considerable cost for the safety and security of the users.”
