NJORO, NAKURU COUNTY: Stand-off has hit Egerton University, main campus at Njoro after students went on the rampage Saturday night destroying property with millions of shillings over what they described as "punitive" examination rules imposed by the administration.
The angry students set ablaze the varsity's business centre. The furious night inferno also consumed some structures next to a newly built multi-million ultra-modern hostels, some of which are yet to be occupied by students.
Fire officers from Nakuru accompanied by Anti-Riot Police were called into the Njoro based institution to contain irate students and put down the 9pm inferno.
"If it were not for these fire officers, the destruction could have been immense. It appears they could have put on fire more structures," an anti-riot officer who requested anonymity told The Standard.
Agness Kahuia, a business lady said she lost over Sh1.5 million during the inferno after her shop was looted.
"I don’t know where to begin, I used to run a salon and shops here but they have looted and burnt them all. I have lost more than sh1.5 million” she said.
Njoro OCPD Fredrick Lai confirmed that police arrested 10 students during the riots adding that they were being held at Njoro pending investigations.
"We managed to arrest 10 students at the night. We are still going on with investigations till Monday as we await the University to make a decision," said the OCPD.
According to students who spoke to The Standard, the University administration last week issued a notice to students that demanded a 100-per cent fee clearance before they begin end of year examinations set to begin on Monday.
Tension reportedly started brewing on Thursday, a day before the University held its graduation as students raised concerns over the requirement which they said was arrived at without their input.
A student leader who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the Student Governing Council had earlier tried in vain to negotiate with the administration.
"As a tradition, students were allowed to sit for examinations with fee arrears of up to 60 per cent. The new rule complicated things for students," said the student leader.
The student said the University started issuing examination cards to the few students who have cleared fees from last week locking out thousands others.
"A lot of students were to miss examinations if it were to begin on Monday. The exam cards processed are very few," the student leader said.
A meeting convened by student Union of Egerton University (SUEU) chairman Isaac Ongoma with class representatives Saturday afternoon to try calm down the rising tension bore no fruit.
"Yes we had a meeting but the students were out of hand. For now I don't want to comment on anything until I consult with my executive," said Ongoma.
A spot check by The Standard in the morning found students vacating the University in an anticipation that the senate might order immediate closure to deliberate on the damage and the exam headache.
By the time of going to press, the University senate was still held up in a closed-door meeting at the University. Groups of students gathered at the burnt structures with most waiting for official communication as confusion reigned.
"They should tell us what the next move is. We are tired of waiting, we need to do our exams and proceed for Christmas Holiday. Going home is not a solution," said an outraged student.
