Tension at Maseno University as seven students injured in elections chaos

Seven students on a campaign trail were seriously injured on Monday evening following chaos that marred student elections in Maseno University.

Some of them sustained the injuries after they jumped out of a moving lorry when police lobbed teargas to disperse them.

The injured were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Tension was high at the University's main campus following a standoff between police and students over campaign routes.

The problem started on Monday evening after police barred some of the students from conducting campaigns on the Maseno-Busia highway.

Opposing sides in the campaign trail temporarily blocked the highway prompting police to disperse them.

Students who spoke to Nation.co.ke said police had barred them from leaving the campus compound.

"We are restricted from going out. We cannot even leave the compound to buy supper. There were instances when they hurled teargas at us," Mr Evans Muli told Nation.co.ke on telephone.

Director of Public relations Jaspher Otieno said they have talked to students to maintain calm.

"The issue is related to the student elections which are turning out to be highly competitive. We have talked to the students to adhere to the election code of conduct,” Mr Otieno said.

"We are monitoring the situation and will advise on the next move as every bit of the incidences unfold. All the same, the situation is under control," Mr Otieno said.

This happens even after Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo was closed indefinitely after students disagreed over election results.