University of Embu closed indefinitely

University of Embu has been closed indefinitely following students unrest.

Vice Chancellor Daniel Mugendi said the university senate reached the decision after the students continued to desroy property in and outside the school.

They pelted campus buildings and vehicles with stones.

The students went on strike on Wednesday evening, protesting against a proposal to increase the school fees from Sh16,000 to Sh48,000 each semester.

They blocked the Embu-Meru Highway and destroyed property, forcing riot police to come in and contain them.

Businesses near the university were forced to close down.

The students also marched to Kangaru trading centre, where they are said to have harassed traders.

Three people, including a student, were hit by a matatu at Kangaru market while trying to escape the rioting students.

The vehicle was damaged and the three admitted at the Embu Level Five Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Police deployed to quell the chaos fought them for hours and managed to disperse them.

Embu County Police Commander Daniel Rukanga said the students are  being treated as criminals.

"They have destroyed property worth a lot of money. Those involved must face the law. We will not tolerate hooliganism," he said.

Rukunga said the inciters were being tracked down for questioning and prosecution.

The students said they will not accept any fee hikes, saying the increase is unrealistic.

They further complained that their pleas to have their expelled colleague allowed back to the campus and diet improved had fallen on deaf ears.