Laikipia University has been closed indefinitely following days of student unrest that escalated into protests and clashes with police, prompting the administration to order all learners to vacate the institution immediately.
In a notice issued after a special Senate meeting, the university said the closure takes effect immediately, citing growing safety concerns after demonstrations turned chaotic. Students have been directed to leave the campus, with a warning that failure to comply will attract disciplinary action.
The unrest was triggered by the death of a first-year student, Hillary Vumilu, who was fatally injured during a hiking trip at Subukia Viewpoint waterfalls. His death sparked widespread anger among students, many of whom questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident and demanded accountability from the institution.
Tensions boiled over when students took to the streets, blocking sections of the busy Nyahururu–Nakuru Highway. The protests caused major traffic disruptions as demonstrators barricaded the road, leading to running battles with police officers deployed to restore order.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the situation quickly escalated, forcing security agencies to intervene as the protests intensified. The unrest not only disrupted transport along the key highway but also raised concerns over the safety of both students and members of the public.
In response, the university administration convened an urgent Senate meeting, which resolved to shut down the institution to prevent further escalation. Security personnel, working alongside government agencies, have since been deployed to oversee the evacuation process and ensure compliance with the directive.
The management said further communication regarding the reopening of the university and resumption of academic programmes will be issued through official channels once the situation stabilises.
The closure has left many students stranded, with some scrambling to make travel arrangements back home. Parents and guardians have also expressed concern over the sudden disruption of learning, especially coming in the middle of the academic calendar.
The incident has once again brought into focus the handling of student welfare and safety during institutional activities, as well as the management of crises within learning institutions.
For now, calm has returned to the campus and surrounding areas, but the situation remains under close watch as authorities continue to monitor developments.
The university’s decision underscores the gravity of the unrest and highlights the delicate balance institutions must maintain between ensuring safety and sustaining academic programmes during times of crisis.
