University of Nairobi denies student death reports
Anti-riot policemen arrest a University of Nairobi student during protests calling for the release of Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, on September 28, 2017. PHOTO | COURTESY
University of Nairobi has said no student died when police raided the institution on Thursday to quell protests.
Director of corporate affairs John Orindi, however, said 27 students were injured during the fracas and one set to undergo an operation at Kenyatta national hospital tomorrow.
“The students who is set to undergo operation was injured when he jumped from second floor of their hostel, other sustained minor injuries and were treated and discharged,” said Mr Orindi.
He said no lecturer died as a result of the fracas.
“The University does not call police, police have a duty to a duty to go where there are chaos and contain the situation,” said Mr Orindi.
Interior acting Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also met Inspector General of police Joseph Boinet and the University Vice-chancellor Peter Mbithi.
Dr Matiang’i received the early report on the incident and which was handed over to independent policing oversight authority.
He said IPOA will continuously brief the public on their findings.
“I want to specifically thank the university student leaders for being candid with us and for promising to continue our dialogue. I applaud you,” said the CS after the meeting.
