The University of Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following persistent violent protests by students over Sonu elections.
The institution’s special senate ordered students to vacate the premises by 5pm on Tuesday.
VC Peter Mbithi had cautioned the students against disrupting normal functions, saying the senate would review a report on the disputed elections.
Police had also issued a second warning against more protests over the ejection of Babu Owino, who has already been sworn in as chairman.
They had also asked the university’s administration to consider its closure.
The students had threatened to carry on with the demonstrations, and only end them upon Babu’s ejection. They claimed he won the seat by engaging in malpractices.
A circulated message stated they intended to remove DVC Isaac Mbeche from office in protests on Tuesday, ensure Jacobs’ swearing in and then celebrate.
A video surfaced, showing GSU officers beating students believed to be from the university, but police spokesman Charles Owino said it was manipulated.
“For the last three days, there has only been conflict among the students, their leaders and the university’s administration,” said Owino.
He said police only sought to protect people using University Way and ensure no property was destroyed during fresh protests on Monday.
Owino asked anyone claiming the video is authentic to record a statement at the nearest police station. Police launched a probe following claims the incident took place on Uhuru Highway.
The spokesman said facts, such as the date and time of the recording and the device used, should also be presented.
Should the video be found to be manipulated, he warned, the originator will be charged.
Owino advised students to demonstrate peacefully saying it is a constitutional right. He asked university students to demonstrate maturity during protest, to reflect what they learn.
UoN students blocked some roads in a demonstration at the weekend against the election, which the administration has termed legal and valid. The burned the Sonu office in fresh protests on Monday.
Most students were puzzled by Owino’s win since Jacobs was leading in all campuses by midnight Friday; it is not clear how Owino won.
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