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UoN commences probe on student unrest


The University of Nairobi’s Vice Chancellor Prof Peter Mbithi has ordered for a thorough investigation into the four days of students’ unrest that led to the closure of the institution.

In a press statement, Prof Mbithi called for a review of the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (Sonu) electoral processes by a senate committee comprised of senior staff.

“I have also ordered for the investigation to identify students who participated in the destruction of property and the magnitude of damage. Once investigations are over, we shall take firm disciplinary action against the perpetrators,” he said.

During the unrest, Sonu offices located within the main campus were burned down and after order of closure, property of unknown value destroyed in a hostel fire.

The VC admitted that goons have infiltrated the union affairs adding that management of Sonu should also be investigated.

MENACE OF GOONS

“As the management of the University, this incident provides us with an opportunity to reflect and find solutions to address salient challenges such as the menace of goons at the university and management of Sonu affairs,” he added.

Students have been decrying the mismanagement of the Sonu funds which draws its finances from annual contributions by each student.

One of the chairmanship candidates in Friday’s elections that fuelled the unrest, Mike Jacobs, told Nairobi News that the current student leader had misappropriated millions of shillings.

Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino has been at the helm of the union since 2014 when he was re-elected for the second time making his current term the fourth.

Students who were protesting his re-election accused him of misappropriating funds as well as introducing goons to run the institution.

Cases of students being beaten up and injured have in the past been reported with most victims being those vocal on mismanagement of the union.