Maseno University shut after student dies in riots

Maseno University was on Tuesday closed indefinitely following the killing of a student during riots on Monday night.

In a notice issued by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Catherine Muhoma, students were ordered to vacate the school premises with immediate effect.

She said the school made the decision after an assessment that the situation could not be contained.

The riots were sparked after police allegedly shot at a vehicle that was being used by some students for campaigning in the Students' Organisation of Maseno University elections.

One student died on arrival at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, while six others were rushed to various hospitals around the university where they are still recovering from their injuries.

Unconfirmed reports indicated that another student, a woman, died this morning as a result of the injuries.

Students barricaded the Kisumu-Busia highway and lit bonfires that paralysed transport on the route for the better part of the morning on Tuesday.

They engaged police in running battles before reinforcements were called in from Kisumu.

A team of security officers dispersed the students before all were ordered to leave the college.

Students were in a state of panic and confusion, having been given 30 minutes to pack their belongings and vacate the campus.