Student leaders cry foul over suspension

Kenya: Twelve Egerton University students, among them three union leaders, have accused the institution of bias after they were suspended indefinitely over alleged incitement of students to strike.

Student Union of Egerton University (SUEU) officials Isaac Ongoma (chairman), Angeline Okwamba (secretary general) and Kiplimo Collins (director, academic affairs) and other nine students were suspended from the institution on January 5.

The students who spoke at The Standard offices in Nakuru said the university did not accord them fair hearing and accused the administration of intimidation.

"The strike took place on December 6, 2014 and the following day, we were arrested and detained and when we were to appear in court, the university management failed to produce evidence to link us to incitement and the case was withdrawn," said Ongoma.

CASE WITHDRAWN

The student chairman said they were surprised when they received suspension letters yet the case was withdrawn due to lack of evidence, adding that the right procedure was breached by the university.

The students said Egerton disregarded normal disciplinary procedure and never summoned them to the senate disciplinary committee before they were suspended.

The suspension letters addressed to the students signed by Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene seen by The Standard claimed they were identified among those who participated directly or indirectly in the unrest that led to destruction of property.

"In accordance with section 8.2, of the university rules and regulations governing students conduct and discipline which you read, understood and signed, you are hereby indefinitely suspended from the university effective January 5, 2015," it read.