Rioting University of Nairobi students destroy property worth millions of shillings

Police use teargas to disperse University of Nairobi students

Police are investigating an incident in which a section of University of Nairobi students went on rampage Saturday night, destroying property valued at millions of shillings as they protested a ban to cook in their hostels.

The students vandalised a tent, stole music systems, public address system and burnt some as they went on the rampage forcing an electoral registration exercise that had been organised by the US embassy and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to be cancelled.

Among property destroyed was the university mess and kitchen which students set on fire.

The students said they resorted to the destruction after their cooking and heating appliances were taken from the hostels following the institution's closure over protests.

Organisers of the event said their equipment valued at millions of shillings were stolen and vandalised in the riots and asked for police investigations.

It was organised under the banner @NiShowpower, an initiative targeting youth.

“#niShowPower organizers regret to announce that today's youth outreach concert at UoN is postponed due to vandalism,” read a tweet from the organisers.

The US embassy said the event had been postponed.

“Disappointed in the events leading to the postponement of the @NiShowPower concert scheduled to take place today,” said the embassy in a tweet.

The rioting students also stoned and stole from motorists along University Way, State House Road and Arboretum Road as they staged the protest.

Top Kenyan artistes including Juliani, Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo, Sarabi, and Sauti Sol had been scheduled to perform for free at the event.

Other students claim they have unresolved SONU elections grievances and are unhappy with suspension/expulsion of 58 students.

Police say they are investigating the incident with an aim of taking action on those responsible for the same.

Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome said a team of investigators is working with the university management to ensure those responsible are brought to book.

“Whether there are outside politics or internal wars is immaterial. They destroyed property that would benefit them which is criminal,” said Koome.

The incident prompted criticism from some people online demanding action on those behind the destruction.

This comes more than a month after the students went on the rampage and destroyed property over results of SONU elections.