Elders call for arrest of rioting Chuka University students
Njuri Ncheke elders from Tharaka-Nithi County during a past event. They have threatened to disown Francis Muthaura as their patron. FILE PHOTO | ALEX NJERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Meru South branch secretary Mutegi Kiungo applauded the security team led by Tharaka-Nithi County Police Commander Johnston Ipara.
- He called on the students to embrace dialogue as a means of addressing their grievances.
- Anti-riot police arrested 15 students who were looting shops at the nearby Ndagani market.
A group of elders from Tharaka-Nithi have condemned recent riots by students of Chuka University over disputed union elections, forcing the institution to be closed indefinitely.
Njuri Ncheke Chairman Jonathan Kangethe Wednesday urged police and the university’s management to probe the real cause of the strike that saw shops looted and motorists stoned on Monday.
Mr Kangethe, who spoke at a press conference in Chuka, said students found culpable of starting the strike should face the law.
“The university students are the leaders of tomorrow, but their behaviour gives the country no hope of good leadership in future,” said Mr Kangethe.
“Let the management weed out those who were involved in the riot to bring peace,” he added.
Meru South branch secretary Mutegi Kiungo applauded the security team led by Tharaka-Nithi County Police Commander Johnston Ipara for the quick response that stopped further damages by the students.
He called on the students to embrace dialogue as a means of addressing their grievances.
The students went on rampage following the disputed union elections on January 29, 2016.
Anti-riot police arrested 15 students who were looting shops at the nearby Ndagani market, forcing other businesses to close down.
They also torched one of their college buses. The elected leaders were to be sworn in on Monday.
