Machakos University was Wednesday closed indefinitely insecurity and ongoing demonstrations.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Lucy Irungu made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.
The move came hours after a student who had been shot by a police officer during Monday’s protests died on Wednesday morning.
“Due to the evolving insecurity situation around the university and the ongoing students’ demonstrations, a special meeting convened on December 7, 2022, resolved that in the interest of the security of staff and students, the university be closed with immediate effect,” the memo read.
“This is, therefore, to inform all students to vacate the university premises with immediate effect. Further communication will be made in due course.”
The university students went on a rampage for the third day on Wednesday protesting their colleague’s death.
A police officer was injured during the melee on Wednesday before the news of closure came out.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority launched a probe into the shooting incident of the university student.
The authority said they have dispatched a Rapid Response Team to the area with instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Where fault is found, the authority shall make recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution,” read a document released on Tuesday.
“We appeal to the students and residents to maintain calm and allow the due process of the law to take its course. Ipoa remains committed to being independent, impartial and fair.”
