Only idiots go on strike over power blackouts!

Egerton University was the highlight of last week, after the craze that was graduation parties. The day after their UoN compatriots were given the power to read, they went on strike.

It had something to do with something trivial like exam cards. Well, let me tell you what most readers do not understand.

It is Christmas season. I have no idea who decided that it was an amazing idea to restructure public university calendars and have final semester exams at this time.

As we start the countdown to closing the year, the last thing students need is two weeks of rigorous cramming, discussion groups and revision stress. This is the time we forget where the library is located and remember where we put our dancing shoes.

We want to attend Christmas carol services by the Christian Union folk. We want to go to K1 on Tuesday nights and drink (as is African tradition) to the birth of the Son of Man.

Some of us even want to join Mary in bringing forth a new son of man. The whole idea is to gear up for the season that keeps on giving. Not buckle up for examinations.

This same time last year, I was leading an underground movement with a number of students so as to boycott December exams. We really didn’t go as far as the Egerton University studentry.

We just threatened to spill into the streets. The UoN admin is scared to the bone of such threats. They may pretend to put their foot on the ground and release exam timetables, but the truth is, when push comes to shove, they are usually left with no choice but to blink first.

It is not that we are scared of sitting for exams. It is just that we love our festive season more.

So I received WhatsApp messages with images of charred buildings, read bottomless Facebook updates of Egerton University students, and even watched the news with a giggle on my face, because I understand where they were coming from.

What I do not understand, however, is why they had to go all the way and burn school property for this. Did they have to go on a rampage over a power blackout? I mean, come on. Yaani there are people who do not love their caution money?

As I speak now, I am a graduate. Maybe things have changed ever since I hang up my campus coat last week. Maybe I am stuck in the dark ages with old ideals that now sound like they were originally written in hieroglyphics.

But this is not even about my ideals, it is about common sense. You burn your hostels and then what? Where will you sleep when you resume school?

Also, there one thing the people of Egerton forgot about going on strike: you never (as a matter of principle) damage your school during riots. You can, tongue in cheek, damage outside property, but not your university’s. You will need it. Comrades, biting the hand that feeds you has consequences, as the Egerton University guys will soon discover.