Rongo University closed indefinitely over students' unrest

Rongo University gate in Migori. [Caleb Kingwara Standard]

Rongo University has been closed indefinitely over student unrest following a hotly contested election.

The university's senate held an emergency meeting when the situation at the university got out of hand and spiraled into running battles with police officers.

Following the incident, all students were directed to vacate the university premises immediately.

Rongo University's Vice Chancellor Prof Samuel Gudu said tensions had been building at the institution as students elected their new leaders.

"We sat down with the senate and agreed to close down the university indefinitely until we work out when the students will come back," Prof. Gudu remarked.

According to the Vice Chancellor, the election which happens every year was conducted peacefully and the results were announced.

The election had three candidates contesting for the Students Governing Council post.

It is just after the announcement that one group whose candidate lost allegedly started rioting over claims of malpractice.

"We had called police to come and help us ensure that law and order is maintained," Gudu stated.

Police were forced to lobby teargas to disperse the rowdy students.

The students who engaged police in running battles pelted stones at the counting room and destroyed part of the school's library and main gate.

Gudu pointed out that they closed the University for the safety of all students.