Maasai Mara University closes indefinitely after student riot over election interference

By Antynet Ford

Maasai Mara University was yesterday closed indefinitely following a long day of protest by students.

The students claimed the institution was interfering with their election hence the unrest.

They claimed the management had been interfering with the elections of the students’ union.

“They want to install someone they are in control of. As students, we ask to be let to do our polls democratically.” A student said.

The students said they were unhappy after learning the institution’s Election Appeals Committee had postponed the fifth union elections until further notice and after learning of the postponement of the polls, it was then that they went into rioting.

Some students complained that they were injured as they ran away from the chaos or were hit by flying objects.

They tried to block roads near the institution forcing anti-riot police to deploy tear gas canisters.

This prompted running battles for a short while before the institution’s senate was called to deliberate on 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.

Some begged to stay overnight but all in vain. The security drove the students out of the hostels amid chaos, witnesses said.

“This is to notify all students that due to the ongoing student unrest, the Senate, in a Special Meeting held today, Thursday, 22d February 2024, resolved to close the University indefinitely. All students are, therefore, instructed to vacate the university premises with immediate effect.” The memo read in part.

Some of the students complained about the move as they sought accommodation in the nearby Narok Town.

Efforts to get a comment from the college administration on the claims did not bear fruit as the deputy vice-chancellor was not available for a comment.