This archive report was first published on 2 December 2019.
On December 1, 2019, Maseno University was indefinitely closed after students protested against alleged rape cases on and off campus.
The decision to close the university was made by the Senate following unrest by students over the alleged rape cases and their failure to engage university management in structured discussions.
According to Vice-Chancellor Prof Julius Nyabundi, the Senate resolved to close the university with immediate effect until further notice.
Students were ordered to vacate the university premises by 7:30 pm.
Nyanza Regional Police Boss Dr Vincent Makokha suggested that the wrangles between the new and old student leadership might have contributed to the riots.
Dr Makokha also stated that a section of the students were not prepared for the ongoing exams, which could have been managed.
Student Organisation of Maseno University Secretary-General Alex Kalugho alleged that the students rioted after two of their colleagues were raped on Saturday night.
Mr Kalugho further stated that the police should have arrested the suspects who raped the two female students and that the security of students residing outside campus was wanting.
