Rongo University was closed indefinitely on Tuesday, March 26, after chaotic scenes were witnessed at the institution following a heavily contested student election.
According to a memo signed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Michael Ntabo, the decision to close the university was arrived at following deliberations by the University Senate.
“Senate resolved that the university be closed indefinitely due to ongoing unrest as a result of student election,” the memo read in part.
“All students are directed to vacate the University premises immediately.”
Reports indicate that opposing teams had engaged in a rampage following the announcement of the election results.
As a result, there was considerable damage to school property forcing the University Senate to convene for deliberations.
Students lit bonfires in part of the school's grounds. Reports further indicate that during the unrest, windows at the institution's main library were also broken.
The University administration was able to quell the protests before they got out of hand. No injury to students or staff was reported.
It was reported that at the time of the closure of the institution, elections had been conducted and the duly elected candidates announced.
Rongo University has witnessed peaceful elections in the past through the delegate mode of voting.
Located in Migori County, the University has one of the highest enrollment rates from the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
The institution offers Postgraduate, Master's, Bachelor's, Diploma and Certificate courses for various programs.
Schools at the institution include; Information, Communication and Media Studies, Education, Science, Agriculture and Environmental Studies, and Arts, Social Science and Business Studies.
