Be gone: Kisii University suspends 40 students

Forty students have been suspended from Kisii University following a two-day riot from October 17.

The students were issued with letters of suspension pending disciplinary action, after they were found to have been involved in gross and unlawful conduct which disrupted teaching and smooth running of the university.

They were divided in two batches; 27 students were suspended for inciting students while 13 others were said to have organized the riots.

The letters signed by Registrar, Academic Affairs (AA), Prof Philip Owino, stated that the students breached section 9.2.16 and 9.2.23 of the students’ handbook.

Section 9.2.16 of the handbook calls for disciplinary action against any student involved in incitement and any related action aimed at causing unrest or disturbance of the university peace, while 9.2.23 dictates that any student involved in illegal demonstrations, gatherings or public ceremonies shall face the law.

Some of the suspended students have however stood against the decision by senate, claiming it was unfair and inhumane. “The university forced us to write statements and destroyed our reputation by associating us with inciters and organizers of the riots yet they have no evidence against that,” said Donald Ombonya Miguda on behalf of the victims.

He added that they had not been given a fair hearing before being issued with the letters. He also called on Education, Science and Technology Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’I to intervene in the matter.

Confirming the suspensions, the Kisii University Students’ Union (KUSU) chairperson, Jeff Mitei, said the 40 students will appear before the university senate at a set future date to defend themselves against the allegations.

Students in the institution have condemned the suspension of two students who are aspiring for chairmanship of the students’ union. They said the university has destroyed them politically by attempting to hinder them from participating in the upcoming elections through suspensions.

The university has also been re-opened after a two-week closure, with each student fined Sh1,800 for the damages caused during the rampage.