Rongo University closed indefinitely after student unrest

 

Migori-based Rongo University has been closed indefinitely following student unrest on Tuesday.

The decision followed an emergency meeting convened by the university's senate.

"Senate in a meeting held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, resolved that the university be closed indefinitely due to ongoing unrest as a result of student elections. All students are directed to vacate the university premises immediately," Professor Michael Ntabo Mabururu, Deputy Vice-chancellor of academics and student affairs, said in a notice.

A clash between students and law enforcement officers occasioned chaotic scenes at the university prompting the university council to shut down the institution.

The chaos started after a section of students rejected the results of a fiercely contested election of student leadership citing allegations of irregularities.

Supporters of one of the candidates identified as  Nick Wamamba, alias Babu Nicky, raised concerns regarding the fairness of the election.

Victor Apicha was named the duly elected  Rongo University Student Association (RUSA) chairperson.

Tensions reached a breaking point Tuesday evening, resulting in confrontations with police officers deployed at the campus to maintain law and order.

In response to the escalating situation, the university's administration, led by Vice Chancellor Prof Samuel Gudu resolved to close the institution.

The closure came after several properties were damaged including windows and other structural properties.

The full extent of the damages was yet to be assessed by the time of going to press with university officials tasked with planning necessary repairs.

Students who had to vacate the institution are now uncertain about when normalcy will resume.

BY  ALBERT OUMA