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UoN Students Destroy Expensive Equipment at US Embassy Event
University of Nairobi students on Saturday destroyed property worth millions and disarrayed an event organised at the institution by the US Embassy and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
The rioting students were protesting a decision by the Varsity to ban cooking in the hostels and also confiscation of their cooking and heating appliances that were found in the halls of residence.
During the chaos, students vandalised a tent, stole music systems, public address system and burnt other audio-visual equipment that were being used at the event meant to encourage Kenyan youth to register as voters and pledge to refrain from violence.
Organisers of the event dubbed #NiShowPower expressed their disappointment, urging police to hasten investigations into the incident that cost them millions.
“The #niShowPower organizers regret to announce that today’s youth outreach concert at the University of Nairobi grounds is postponed due to vandalism. We regret any inconvenience this may cause to those who planned to attend.” NiShow power stated.
“Disappointed in the events leading to the postponement of the @NiShowPower concert scheduled to take place today,” said the US embassy in a tweet.
Top Kenyan artistes including Juliani, Khaligraph Jones, Octopizzo, Sarabi, and Sauti Sol had been lined up to perform at the event.
The rowdy students also stoned and stole from motorists along University Way, State House Road and Arboretum Road.
Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome assured that investigators had taken up the issue and those held responsible would face dire consequences.
“Whether there are outside politics or internal wars is immaterial. They destroyed property that would benefit them which is criminal,” said Koome.
Meanwhile, the University of Nairobi administration has announced that 11 students caught with electric cooking equipment would be expelled from hostels for contravening an earlier ban.
The Saturday protests came a month after the students staged chaotic demonstrations after a disputed students election.
Following the post-election chaos, the institution was closed down indefinitely with learning resuming barely two weeks ago.
Here are the photos:
