Meru University Shuts Down Indefinitely After Student Protests

Meru University Shuts Down Indefinitely After Student Protests.

Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has been indefinitely closed following student protests triggered by the killing of a visiting student from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM).

Vice Chancellor Romanus Odhiambo, after consulting with stakeholders, including the Senate, emphasized that the decision prioritized the safety of students, staff, and the community. All students were instructed to vacate the main campus at Nchiru, Tigania West, immediately.

The unrest began after a TUM student visiting his girlfriend at Meru University was fatally attacked on Monday night.

According to a student, Moses Msando, the victim was stabbed three times during an assault while walking with his girlfriend near her residence around 10 pm, resulting in his death due to excessive bleeding.

The murder suspect reportedly escaped on a motorbike identified as belonging to the chief of Munithu/Ngiine location, situated in Imenti East Sub County.

Following the tragic incident, students took to the streets in protest, starting Monday night and continuing into Tuesday. They barricaded the Meru–Maua road with bonfires, disrupting traffic. On Tuesday, clashes with police resulted in running battles that paralyzed transport and escalated tensions.

The protests intensified on Wednesday when hundreds of students marched to the Munithu/Ngiine chief’s residence, located six kilometers from the university.

They set the chief’s house ablaze, accusing him of harboring the suspect. The students also vandalized a government motorbike, damaged business stalls, and looted a nearby shop.

Authorities Condemn Violence

Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma reported that no injuries were recorded during the arson attack but lamented the destruction caused by the students. He condemned their actions as reckless, noting that the chief lost all his property due to allegations linking his motorbike to the murder.

Ouma revealed that two suspects have already been arrested in connection with the crime and criticized the students for resorting to lawlessness instead of allowing justice to take its course.

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The County Security Committee recommended the university’s closure to prevent further unrest. Commissioner Ouma stated that the VC was advised to convene the Senate and make the decision to suspend activities at the institution. He warned that continued student unrest could lead to severe security challenges in the region.

Students have urged the government and university management to expedite the installation of security lights along the Meru-Maua road, particularly between Kaithe and the university.

The County Commissioner assured that security around the university has been reinforced and that those involved in the arson attack are being pursued to face justice.

Meru University Shuts Down Indefinitely After Student Protests.

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