Laikipia University closed indefinitely after students unrest

The University ordered that all students residing within the University vacate.

The unrest was occasioned by students who went on the rampage protesting poor management by Laikipia University.

This comes after a first-year student slipped and fell at the Subukia Escarpment while in the company of some other colleagues. Still, efforts to rescue him bore no fruit as he died while receiving treatment at the Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital, on Friday last week.

According to the students, before the passing of Hillary Vulimu, his friends had desperately tried to engage the university ambulance services for emergency support. Still, they were informed that the ambulance was not available during the Eid al-Fitr holidays.

However, on Monday, the University Leadership had planned for a meeting with the students to quell mounting tension, but the students failed to appear.

Instead, they walked to the streets in protests, and it was at this time that anti-riot police officers responded as the students barricaded the Nyahururu-Nakuru roads.

Late in the evening, the students engaged the police officers in running battles, forcing the security agencies to use more force.

During the melee, scores of students escaped with gunshot wounds and are recuperating in the hospital.

The University, in a statement issued by the Director for Corporate Affairs, Roselyn Mulefu, said it continues to work closely with relevant authorities while enhancing students’ welfare and engagement framework.