This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
On December 1, 2019, Maseno University was indefinitely closed after students protested against alleged rape cases on and off campus.
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Julius Nyabundi, the university's Senate resolved to close the institution with immediate effect due to unrest caused by the alleged rape cases and the students' failure to engage in structured discussions with the university management.
The students were ordered to vacate the premises by 7:30 pm.
Nyanza Regional Police Boss Dr Vincent Makokha suggested that the riots might have been triggered by a dispute between the new and old student leadership, which could have been managed if some students were prepared for ongoing exams.
Student Organisation of Maseno University Secretary-General Alex Kalugho alleged that the students rioted after two of their colleagues were raped on Saturday night and criticized the police for not arresting the suspects.
He also raised concerns about the security of students residing outside campus, citing a previous incident where some fourth-year students were attacked and robbed.
