Nairobi University students torch offices protesting union polls

Students at the Nairobi University for the better part of Monday engaged in riots causing damage of unknown value to both motorists and the institution. This followed student leadership elections held at the end of last week which they claim were not free and fair. Babu Owino was elected for a fourth term as the chairman of the University’s students’ organization SONU.

The unruly students, while chanting songs, took over key roads around the institution including State House Road, the University Way, Ojinjo Road and a section of Waiyaki Way.

However, law enforcers soon subdued them blocking their march into the central business district, something that led to their change of plan forcing them to use the underpass bridge to their main campus where they set SONU offices ablaze.

They later moved to Uhuru Highway where they pelted motorists with stones causing the law enforcers to lob teargas to disperse them.

According to the University Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Student Affairs Professor Isaac Meroka, the elections were free and fair and those who feel aggrieved should follow due process.

“The university would like to advice any party that feels aggrieved by the outcome to use the laid down procedures for addressing their disputes,” said Prof. Meroka.

On his part, the beleaguered student leader Babu Owino holds that he did not breach any law in vying for the post as claimed by a section of students. This will be his fourth term at the helm of SONU.

“We amended the constitution so as far as I’m concerned. I’m within the SONU constitution,” said Babu.

30 students who had been arrested over the weekend after another riot have so far been released.