Student killed in Kenyatta University strike as management orders closure

Kenyatta University students stranded outside their campus after it was closed indefinitely on 17/11/2017 [Jenipher Wachie]

A Kenyatta University student is reported to have died on Friday night following riots after disputed student elections. There are different theories as to what caused the student’s death.

There are reports that indicate the female student was stabbed by boda boda operators after she was caught up between the clashes during the protests.

Some students who spoke to Saturday Standard indicated the victim was stabbed after she declined to surrender her mobile phone to a boda boda operator who had joined the riots.

Stalemate

Other unconfirmed reports indicated that the student was allegedly raped before she was killed. A law student, Mr Morara Kibasu, said the student was killed at KM Estate which is next to the university main campus as she was heading home.

“I was there when she was being rushed to hospital after being attacked by the boda boda operators. We hope her killers will be brought to book,” said Kibasu.

However, a senior university official who declined to be named said the student was killed following a misunderstanding with a boda boda operator.

KU director in-charge of student affairs Prof Edwin Gimonde did not confirm the death.

“What I can say is that no student died inside the campus in the Friday night riots. We are however carrying out investigations to ascertain rumours going round that one of our students lost her life,” said Prof Gimonde.

Kiambu County Police Commander Adiel Nyange and Ruiru Officer Commanding Police Division Isaac Thuranira said they were not aware of the death.

The university was on Friday night rocked by protests following disputed student polls on Tuesday.

Some of the student accused the management of influencing the outcome of the elections to aid a candidate of their choice.

Senate orders closure

“As students, we wanted Morara Kibasu to be the KUSA chairman but the university administration was against it. We will not relent until our choice is declared the winner. If that does not happen, riots shall continue,” said a student.

During the riots, the students burnt down the Admission Block and destroyed the gate leading to KM estate.

In a statement sent by the university’s Director of Communication, Mr Machua Koinange, the management blamed the group that lost in the elections for being behind the mayhem.

“We are aware that the elections were held successfully this week, and the losing groups have sought to influence events and incite students to violence,” read the statement.

Following the riot, management announced it had closed the institution indefinitely.

“Following the continuing nationwide lecturers’ strike that has adversely affected academic activities and heightened agitation among students, the University Senate has decided to close the university until further notice,” read part of a memo signed by the acting VC.

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