Moi University in Eldoret was closed indefinitely following student riots on the morning of Friday, October, 11.
Students engaged police officers from Eldoret town in running battles on the school grounds as the law enforcers tried to disperse the irate students.
In an October 9, memo signed by Timothy Kemboi, chair of the Moi University Students Organisation (MUSO), the students declared October 11, the day they would stage a peaceful demonstration to champion for their grievances.
The university, in turn, replied to the students through an October 10 memo. In the memo, the students were advised to maintain peace as the issued they had raised were being addressed by the administration.
"I, therefore, wish to caution students not to participate in an illegal demonstration/kamukunji which is in breach of Article 11.1, 11.2. 11.3 and 9( j ) of rules and regulations governing the conduct and discipline of students," read part of the memo from the Dean of Students.
The students went ahead with the planned demo going against the directive issued by the school administration.
Grievances fronted by the students include retention of the supplementary examination fee at Ksh 400, preparation of affordable meals and the sacking of the chief security officers among others.
The students were ordered to vacate from the university premises by 12 pm on Friday, October 11. Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Fred Ongeri, an administrator at the office of the Dean of Students confirmed the indefinite closure of the institution.
On October 8, students of Kenyatta University staged a demo blocking the Thika Superhighway. In a memo sent out by the institution's management, the school was shut following the riots by the students.
Vice-chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina stated, "Following disturbances by some students from Monday, October 7, to Wednesday, October 8, that has led to the disruption of lectures and destruction of University property, the University Senate has decided to close the University until further notice.
"In view of the foregoing, all students are required to vacate the University premises immediately," he declared.
The closure of Moi University draws attention to state of public universities in Kenya after students of Multimedia University demonstrated leading to the closure of Mbagathi road in Nairobi.
