Chuka University College in Tharaka Nithi county has experienced its first strike in history, sparked by disputed elections that took place about a week ago. The strike began with four masked students from Chuka University. Significant damage has been done to the university, including the destruction of buildings.
A Facebook post on the Chuka University group discussed the strike. The Chuka Campus school bus was also set on fire. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the strike started around 10 am and continued throughout the day, with intense clashes near the Ndagani center.
Due to security concerns, few photos were taken, as two students who attempted to take pictures were beaten by the crowd. The Chuka University bus was burned beyond recognition during the strike.
According to the Chuka University Gossip Blog, the unrest may have begun on the night of Sunday, February 7, when students threw stones at the school mess due to a power outage. The university has been closed until further notice, as stated in a memo by the school Registrar, Ms. Oliver Mwangala, who instructed students to vacate the premises by 2 pm.
The Chuka University Vice Chancellor, Erastus Njoka, has not commented on the strike. Anti-riot police arrested approximately 20 students for looting shops near Ndagani market, prompting other businesses to close. Sources suggest that the protest occurred because students were dissatisfied with the newly elected Chuka University Student Council (CUSA) team, which was scheduled to be sworn in on February 8, 2016.
