Kisii University Main Campus closed indefinitely over student unrest

Police officers disperse students who were protesting against Kisii University's new fee collection system. (Photo: Sammy Omingo/Standard)

Kisii University Main Campus has been closed indefinitely following two days of student unrest.

In a memo signed by acting Registrar Academic Affairs Joash Kerongo, the students were instructed to vacate the university compound by 3pm on Tuesday.

"The university Senate in its sitting today (Tuesday) has decided to close the university indefinitely and will communicate the date to resume,” read part of the memo.

Earlier in the day, two students were charged in court for attempted arson of the university's Science laboratory contrary to section 333 (a) of the penal code.

The students had spent a night at the Kisii Police Station cells and were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Jesse Nyaga.

They were released on a bond of Sh50,000 and one similar surety or a cash bail of Sh20,000 each.

The other 35 were charged with participating in an illegal riot contrary to Section 80 of the penal code and were released on a bond of Sh10, 000 and one similar surety or cash bail of Sh5,000.

The students were represented in court by lawyer Edward Obegi who said that the accused were students and could religiously attend court if released on free bond.

"Some of these students have just joined University a few months ago and they would wish to continue with their education. Am sure if they are released on free bond they will still come back to court for this matter," said Begi.

On Monday, the students took to the streets and burnt down the fee collection office at the main campus to protest a new rule on fee payment.

They accused the university management of refusing to listen to their grievances and demanded that the university withdraws the deadline set for clearance of fee balances.

The students lit bonfires along the Kisii-Kilgoris road as a combined team of Administration and Kenya Police officers engaged them in running battles.

The students who seemed well coordinated said that the university management had made the decision that all students who had not cleared fees by October 15, 2015 should defer their classes until next semester.

Tuesday morning, private developers were counting loses after the students vandalised some of the private hostels.

"We were unable to control them and we are now forced to incur unnecessary expenses. The university management should find a way of talking to the students to avoid any further destruction," said Julius Ogamba, a private hostel manager.

For the second day, our efforts to seek clarification from the university Vice Chancellor Prof John Akama bore no fruit as he was said to be holed up in a meeting with the university Senate.