Uasu leader freed after arrest over protest at Masinde Muliro university
Uasu Chairman Sammy Kubasu. He is among seven trade unionists who were arrested and released after protesting at Masende Muliro University on August 26, 2016. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- About 50 workers from the university camped at the police station to demand for the release of their colleagues.
- Anti-riot police officers were called to disperse the officials after the protest was declared illegal.
Seven trade union officials arrested at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology following a protest by workers were released on Friday night.
They were freed after recording statements, Kakamega County Criminal Investigations officer Ambrose Munyasia said.
He said the officials, who include three lecturers, were released pending investigations.
The officials from Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Union Domestic, Hostels, Education, and Institution Allied Workers and the Kenya Universities Staff Union were released shortly after 9 p.m.
“We have asked them to report to the CID offices on Wednesday while we conduct investigations to establish whether they is evidence to charge them,” said Mr Munyasia.
UASU chairman Sam Kubasu was among those arrested when police in anti-riot gear dispersed workers who had converged at the university’s graduation ground to protest alleged harassment by the university's management.
Anti-riot police officers were called to disperse the officials after the protest was declared illegal.
But on learning of the arrest, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stormed the police station demanding the release of those in custody.
“It is unacceptable for the management of the university to resort to the use of police officers to harass workers and union officials who are exercising their constitutionals right to assembly,” he said.
About 50 workers from the university camped at the police station to demand for the release of their colleagues.
