Dedan Kimathi University closed indefinitely following students protest

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri has been closed indefinitely.

This followed the second of protest by students who were demonstrating against High Education Loans Board (Helb) failure to release funds.

The students were also angered by a move by the management of the institution to suspend three student leaders who led the demonstrations.

There was heavy police presence at the university's main campus as students threatened to hold fresh demos over the suspension of the student leaders. The learners had on Thursday barricaded the Nyeri – Mweiga highway, bringing traffic to a standstill protesting delayed disbursement of Helb loans.

The university issued orders to suspend learning at the institution and the students ordered to vacate the premises by 9.30 am on Friday.

In a rejoinder, the three suspended student leaders  Japheth Kipkirui and Samson Mandela and George Odhiambo said that they would take legal action over what they termed 'illegal suspension'.

Speaking to The Standard on Saturday, Odhiambo who is the chairman of Kimathi University Student Union faulted the varsity's decision to suspended them alleging it was motivated by malice.

Vice Chancellor Prof Ndirangu Kioni denied the accusations saying the students acted in a violent manner.