The Maasai Mara University in Narok was Thursday, February 22 closed indefinitely following a day-long riot by the students.
The unrest stemmed from dissatisfaction among some students regarding what they perceived as undue interference from the institution’s administration in their elections.
Expressing their grievances, one student stated, “They want to install someone they are in control of. As students, we ask to be let to do our polls democratically.”
Efforts to obtain a response from the college administration regarding these claims were unsuccessful, as the deputy vice-chancellor was unavailable for comment.
Tensions escalated further when students learned of the Election Appeals Committee’s decision to postpone the fifth union elections indefinitely. This news incited the students to protest, leading to chaos on the campus grounds.
During the unrest, some students sustained injuries while attempting to flee or were struck by projectiles. Roads surrounding the institution were blocked by protesting students, prompting the deployment of anti-riot police who utilized tear gas canisters to disperse the crowds.
Following these disturbances, the institution’s senate convened to discuss the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Subsequently, a memo issued by Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Bulitia Godrick instructed all students to vacate the premises immediately.
Police presence was heightened to ensure compliance, resulting in a chaotic scene as students were forced out of the hostels. Witness accounts described students pleading to stay overnight, albeit unsuccessfully, as security personnel enforced the evacuation.
The memo officially declared the university’s indefinite closure, stating, “This is to notify all students that due to the ongoing student unrest, the Senate, in a Special Meeting held today, Thursday, 22nd February 2024, resolved to close the University indefinitely.”
In response to the abrupt closure, some students voiced frustration as they sought alternative accommodation in nearby Narok Town.
