Kenya’s University of Nairobi has been closed indefinitely after running battles between students and security forces.
University authorities ordered students to vacate campus on Tuesday following fears of further unrest.
The University of Nairobi Senate has closed the University with immediate effect due to the deteriorating security situation
— University of Nairobi (@uonbi) October 3, 2017
Students have been asked to vacate the halls of residence with immediate effect but not later than 9.00am
— University of Nairobi (@uonbi) October 3, 2017
At least 27 students were injured on Thursday as they demonstrated against the detention of an opposition legislator.
The students had been protesting against the re-arrest of a lawmaker, Paul Owino, on Wednesday, shortly after he was released on bail on charges of subversion for calling President Uhuru Kenyatta a “son of a dog” at a campaign rally.
Video footage posted on social media later in the day showed uniformed officers outside dormitories and inside classrooms using batons to hit people who did not appear to be involved in the campus protests.
Some students have taken to social media to react to the institution’s closure.
University of Nairobi making me a career student.. When I clear with school I want my retirement benefits in total
— 𝚟𝚊𝚗 𝙺𝚊𝚟𝚊𝚒 (@markkavai) October 3, 2017
At this rate,this will be my Graduation photo when I finally graduate from University of Nairobi Med school. #MbithiMustGo pic.twitter.com/Gxj5ufDDYO
— _l.eaking_thoughts… (@AdOkech) October 3, 2017
A Kenyan government watchdog, the Independent Police Oversight Authority, said it was investigating whether police had assaulted students during the protest.
It requested that any member of the public come forward to provide information to aid the investigation.
