Varsity closed over disputed union polls
University of Nairobi students leave the institution after it was indefinitely closed May 18, 2010 following days of unrest over disputed elections of the Student Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU). Photo/PETERSON GITHAIGA
The University of Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following days of student unrest over disputed elections of their union.
Student riots have rocked the institution since Friday after the Student Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) elections were disputed.
A senate meeting called on Tuesday reached the decision to close the university.
The closure affects both modules: regular and parallel and students have until 3 p.m. Tuesday to vacate the university.
The students complained of interference in the SONU elections and later took to the streets in protest on Friday evening.
SONU was disbanded on Sunday, but Higher Education minister William Ruto termed the move unwise. He urged the parties to dialogue over the matter.
Cause a strike
On Monday, three students- Winfred Mukiri, Bernard Omondi and Kimathi Nabea- denied uttering words that were likely to cause a strike at the student's hall of residence (s) on May 14.
Police alleged that the three, with others not in court, shouted hatukubali maneno ya administration (We do not agree with the administration).
They were released on a Sh30,000 cash bail each and the hearing date set for July 7.
