Students snub classes over theft
Former Garissa University College students, who were relocated to Moi University in Eldoret, identify their belongings Tuesday at the institution. The items were taken there after the university admitted them to enable them to continue with their studies, following a terrorist attack at their former institution in April.
JARED NYATAYA |
What you need to know:
- Most of them complained that all their valuables, including cash and electronics, were missing.
- Moi University Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of student affairs, Prof Nathan Ogechi, said classes and the scheduled counselling sessions could not go on as the students wanted to identify and secure their belongings first.
More than 500 Garissa University College students moved to Moi University refused to begin lessons and counselling yesterday as they demanded to be given their belongings that remained behind in their former institution.
And when they were allowed access to their belongings, which had been trucked to their new university, many of the students complained that their cash, valuables and other items were missing.
The truckloads of suitcases and other personal effects collected from the Garissa institution, which was shut down after last month’s terrorist attack, arrived at Moi University’s main campus in Kesses on May 11.
The university’s management yesterday postponed the classes as it gave in to the students’ demands.
VALUABLES MISSING
Most of them complained that all their valuables, including cash and electronics, were missing. Moi University Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of student affairs, Prof Nathan Ogechi, said classes and the scheduled counselling sessions could not go on as the students wanted to identify and secure their belongings first.
“We have about 275 students and half the number of staff members who are traumatised and need counselling.
“After the students pick their belongings, the counselling sessions will start immediately so that the students are ready to resume classes,” Prof Ogechi said.
Mrs Mary Mahugo, the chief students’ counsellor at the university, said the counselling sessions would take up to eight weeks, with the students grouped in tens.
“We understand that our students are traumatised and it is our mandate as counsellors to ensure they get back to their senses,” she said.
“We also need to identify those who need more counselling, something that will make our work easier.”
The Dean of Students at Garissa University College, Dr Stephen Rotich, noted that after the April 2 terror attack at the institution, in which 148 people were killed, mostly students, the government shut down the institution.
The survivors were evacuated and they left their belongings behind.
