University of Nairobi Closed Indefinitely after Riots

University of Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following recent riots that has rocked the Kenya's oldest institution of high learning.

“UON senate has today closed the University with immediate effect due to the deteriorating security situation. Students have been asked to vacate the halls of residence with immediate effect but not later than 9.00am,” read a tweet from the institution.

This follows Monday night riots and chaos by the University students as they demanded the removal of their Vice Chancellor Profesor Peter Mbithi, after the institution's management admitted to inviting anti-riot police officers into the campus to quell last Thursday's protests against the arrest of Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, well known as Babu Owino.

The Students were demanding for the release of Babu, who is a former Chairman of Students Organization of Nairobi University (SONU) following his arrest over a slur aimed at President Uhuru.

Things turned ugly when police officers entered the university premises and reportedly brutalized students by beating them and frog matching them. Some students were allegedly raped and injured during the incident.

On Monday night, the students broke into the security offices at the University, burning documents and destroying property.

They proceeded to block sections of Mamlaka Road and State House Road before anti riot police officers dispersed them, firing gunshots into the air.

More demos were Tuesday morning reported along Lower Kabete Road, with the students blocking roads near the University, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.