University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor, Stephen Gitahi Kiama, was on Wednesday, February 26, forced to apologise for an insensitive memo directed to the students by the institutions acting director of security and safety services.
Kiama described the memo dated Monday, February 24, titled 'Cases of Robbery and Rape Involving Females' as misrepresenting the corporate values of the institution.
"I have noted that the memo was insensitive and does not represent the corporate values and image of the University of Nairobi, and is highly regretted," read the apology letter in part.
Additionally, the VC assured all students of the institution's commitment to protect and take care of them.
"Students are always advised to call the Directorate of Security and Safety Services whenever they are faced with security challenges during day and night," the VC added.
The previous letter had alleged that cases of female students getting raped near the school environs, was a clear case of recklessness on their part.
"In one of the incidences, a female student entertained herself in various joints in the city and decided to walk all alone (drunk) from the city centre to the hostels at SWA.
"Unfortunately, she met her assailants next to KEMU [Kenya Methodist University] building at around 0500hrs where her bag was snatched and raped in turns by three men," the memo read.
The memo was not taken lightly by netizens, criticised the insensitivity in the letter, adding that the university had given several precautions to avoid the rape but failed to condemn rapists.
"A whole University of Nairobi can blame rape victims for the sexual violence they've endured. Let that sink in. And that memo, from The UON, can remain unaddressed for hours. As in since yesterday, up until a few minutes ago, UON did not see it fit to address the matter," one Chelagat complained.
"This is bizarre! So the University of Nairobi is blaming students for being raped? What’s wrong with people?" Kevin Anyango questioned.
"Some students at The University of Nairobi raped. Head of security sends a crass memo blaming the victims for being 'reckless'. Swift apology from Vice-Chancellor. But is that enough?" Ferdinand Omondi weighed in.
"University of Nairobi would like you to know that in 3 recent cases where female students were robbed and/or raped, it was due to their recklessness. Their advice on what to do in social places includes not leaving drinks unattended etc. What it doesn’t include: Don’t rape," Samira Sawlani stated.
Below is the memo;
