University of Nairobi expels 33 students over riots

University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Mbithi at a past event. He announced that 33 students have been expelled over April 5, 2016 strike. FILE PHOTO | ROBERT NGUGI | (NAIROBI)

What you need to know:

  • The VC also announced that the university will re-open on May 3.
  • However, fifth-year College of Health Sciences students will report on April 5.
  • The protesting students burnt down their Sonu offices and hostels.

The University of Nairobi has expelled 33 students including Mike Jacobs, who led recent violent protests that led to the indefinite closure of the institution.

The institution's Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Mbithi said 25 students have also been suspended for “about two or three years” over the strike.

He said they were sent home based on the “gravity of the matter, evidence adduced and the disciplinary history of the student.”

Another 143 were given warning letters while 17 were pardoned.

“The students who have been expelled or suspended can appeal the sentences but we shall not allow lawlessness and mayhem to be perpetuated at the university anymore,” said Prof Mbithi.

The university was closed after students protested the results of elections of their union leaders. Mr Babu Owino was declared winner.

The protesting students burnt down students leaders office and hostels.

The VC on Friday said furniture worth Sh500, 000 was destroyed when the students leaders office was set ablaze.

“We are yet to know the loss incurred in the burnt hostels. The most affected is the Humanities and Social Sciences college", he said.

The VC also announced that the university will re-open on May 3.

However, fifth-year College of Health Sciences students will report on April 25.