Maasai Mara University closed indefinitely over students’ unrest over elections
By Hilary KimuyuThe Maasai Mara University in Narok was February 23, 2024, closed indefinitely following day-long riots by the students.
This is after the students went on strike over what they termed as interference from the institution’s administration in their elections.
They claimed the management had been interfering with the elections of the students’ union to install leaders they feel are friendly to them.
The students said they were unhappy after learning the institution’s Election Appeals Committee had postponed the fifth union elections until further notice.
When the students heard that the elections had been postponed, they rioted.
Some students complained that they had been injured running away from the chaos or hit by flying objects.
They tried to block roads near the institution, forcing anti-riot police to use tear gas canisters.
This led to running battles before the institution’s senate was called to discuss the way forward.
A memo was later issued by the deputy vice chancellor Prof Bulitia Godrick ordering the students to vacate the institution immediately.
Police were deployed to ensure compliance, which caught many unaware.
“This is to notify all students that due to the ongoing student unrest, the Senate, in a Special Meeting held today, Thursday, February 22, 2024, resolved to close the University indefinitely.”
“All students are, therefore, instructed to vacate the university premises with immediate effect,” read the memo.
Some of the students complained about the move as they looked for accommodation in nearby Narok Town.
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