Kenyatta University closed after student riot

By Cyrus Ombati and Jama Ally

Kenyatta University main campus has been closed indefinitely after students there went on the rampage and stoned motorists along the busy Thika-Nairobi highway.

The students were protesting at the university’s decision to bar colleagues from registering for exams.

A circular issued by the university has ordered the students to leave the compound by the close of the day.

The students had blocked the highway for the better part of the morning to protest an ultimatum by the management to register for exams.

They told journalists that the management had given them until last Friday to pay up all their school fees and balances before they could be registered.

"But they have refused to head our pleas to be given more time to look for the money so that we can clear the balances and register for exams. The majority of students have been locked out from doing the exams," a student.

The students engaged police in running battles and stoned motorists on Thika Road. Police used teargas to chase the students who back with stones.

Nairobi head of police operations Wilfred Mbithi said police would ensure the students comply with the university order to vacate their hostels.