Maseno University has been closed down indefinitely after students went on the rampage to protest over a rape incident at the institution.
The students barricaded the busy Kisumu- Busia road to demand their rights from the police and university administration after a gang raided one of the hostels over the weekend and raped a female student.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Julius Nyabundi said that Senate arrived at the decision to close down the institution after attempts to invite the students for dialogue failed.
The notice to close down the institution which was issued at 7 pm on Sunday has affected all students who were undertaking end of semester examinations.
Nyabundi said the closure will not affect the planned graduation since the students who are expected to graduate had already cleared.
He added that students who were writing exams shall be allowed to complete the remaining papers when the institution reopens.
The Kisumu West Police Boss, Edward Kang’ara confirmed the rape incident, saying police were carrying out investigations to nab the suspects.
In an interview with KNA, Kang’ara said a group of men stormed one of the hostels on Saturday night and raped a female student while her counterpart escaped narrowly through the next room.
He said the claims fronted by the students that the act was committed by members of the community could not be substantiated.
The growing student population in the area, he said, was in itself a security threat, adding that such cases were on the increase.
“The number of students here is very high and some have not graduated for the last 7 years, therefore, they engage in criminal activities to survive,” he said.
Kang’ara said no arrests have been made, adding that investigations were ongoing to bring the suspects to book.
By Fredrick Ajok
