On Wednesday, striking students from the Multimedia University engaged police in running battles officers along Magadi Road as they took to the streets over a number of grievances.
The students protested against the school administration, which they say has given a deaf ear to pressing issues like the current unjust fee policy, which has greatly disadvantaged a section of students.
All students are required to pay their tuition by the end of this week, two months before the exam period, according to a memo the school released a few days ago.
The administration ignored requests to extend the deadline, since some self-sponsored students are unable to come up with the 100,000 payment in such a short amount of time.
Concerns have also been raised over the state of dilapidated classrooms and hostels with leaking roofs and poor sanitation.
Other grudges in the 6-point list of complaints include; Lack of security lights, high food prices at the cafeteria, inadequate chairs in lecture halls, and disregard for sportspersons’ welfare.
Police were forced to lob tear gas canisters at the students, and classes were postponed until further notice.
Some protesters decried police brutality and condemned the officers for manhandling them, arguing that they were only exercising their constitutional right of picketing.
Pictures and videos circulating on social media showed police officers roughing up students.
Scene at multimedia university of kenya at Ongata Rongai #comradeship pic.twitter.com/nCEqGtKISS
— Francis Wachaga (@FrancisWachaga) October 19, 2022
Teargas, chaos in Multimedia University as students strike over food prices, dilapilated classrooms #BreakingNews
Kipchumba murkomen | | ongata rongai | sonko pic.twitter.com/XJiuzSPank
— Raboranks Radio 🇰🇪 (@Raboranksradio) October 19, 2022
Live scenes at Multimedia University as Comrades attempt to Calm Down Rioting Police Officers😂😂 @HassanKoech81 @i_am_more_manyi @KhazaliAbdull pic.twitter.com/cnXk2Te9rO
— Luhya_Dollar (@Dollar__SM) October 19, 2022
The number of arrests made still remains unclear.
This is the third year in a row that the Multimedia University students have gone on strike.
Their latest protest comes barely a few days after Egerton university closed down and students were forced to go back home after the university failed to agree with UASU officials.
