[University of Nairobi students demonstrating over arresting of Babu Owino. Former SONU chairman James Orengo has condemned closure of the institution. Photo/Nation]
Siaya senator James Orengo has termed the indefinite closure of the University of Nairobi as unconstitutional adding that the move infringes learners’ academic freedom.
The institution was closed on Tuesday with over fifteen students expelled over alleged planning and execution of illegal demonstrations.
And at Bomas, Orengo, who served in the student union in 1973, termed the move as double tragedy and subsequently accused Jubilee administration of orchestrating it.
“It is quite unfair that Jubilee has reverted to intimidating young people. The closure of Nairobi University is uncalled for and Prof Peter Mbithi should tread carefully,” he said.
He further said:”Students have a right to academic freedom and that should be safeguarded. It’s bad that they have now suffered a double tragedy.”
Reports from a section of social media users indicates that police brutalized a host of students last week who had gone to streets to demand for the release of former student leader Babu Owino.
The embattled Embakasi East MP had been arrested and charged with abusing President Uhuru Kenyatta.