Students go on rampage over power blackouts

By CYRUS OMBATI

Nairobi, Kenya: A section of University of Nairobi students went on the rampage on Monday night, blocking sections of Uhuru highway and University Way to protest power blackouts at their institution.

Passersby and motorists said they were robbed of their valuables in the brief rampage that happened at about 8pm.

 Central OCPD Patrick Oduma said they responded after receiving numerous complaints from motorists of attacks from people believed to be students along State House Road, University Way and Uhuru Highway.

“Our officers managed to contain the situation but some people had been robbed. The students were complaining of persistent power blackouts at their hostels,” said Oduma.

 He said no one was arrested as the students ran back to their hostels on seeing police.

 Witnesses said the students stopped vehicles along the roads before robbing the occupants.

 Some of the protesting students set up roadblocks and extorted money from drivers.

 The students said they experienced two blackouts last week disrupting their studies.

 The areas were cleared after power resumed and the students returned to their hostels.