Mount Kenya University Shut after Student Protests

By Eric G Ndubi

Mount Kenya University has been closed after students took to the streets on Friday March 6 to protest against the killing of their female colleague who was stabbed to death on Thursday night.
The student was killed in Kiango’mbe area near BIDCO in Thika,  Kiambu County.
The students held demonstrations on Garissa Road and General Kago Road in Thika, Kiambu County, burning tyres near the university and chanting slogans before anti-riot police dispersed them late in the afternoon.
The university administration cited "increasing tension" for the decision to close down the institution.
“In view of the current increasing tension the university, Thika Campus, is hereby closed immediately till further notice," the memo read.
Some students posted on Twitter that police used live bullets and that two of their colleagues who were injured in the protest were admitted to Thika Level Five Hospital.
The students blamed the university for failing to provide them with adequate security.
At the same time, the students accused their leaders of inefficiency in representing their interests.
A popular Facebook page called 'MKU Mashinani' said: "A student stabbed to death around bidco.... MKUSA watch out or u will all park."
These are some of the tweets around this event:
bkuHABARI Official @bkuHABARI
University closed indefinitely. Student hospitalized aftr gunshot mku thika #mkustrike
The Menace ‏@Swaggdee
If you are in Thika take caution. MKU out on a rampage. Engaging police in running battles. Two alleged to be shot.
Magazine Reel ‏@MagazineReel
MKU Thika Campus students on the rampage. Two students shot and taken to Thika Level 5 Hospital. One Confirmed... http://fb.me/7yhWpHZvQ