The much anticipated Kisii University ‘presidential’ debate was abandoned prematurely on Thursday after rowdy students from rival camps engaged in physical fights.
Two students were critically injured as supporters from a single group started assaulting their opponents in Dr Sagini hall.
Following the incident, the moderators of the annual debate were forced to terminate it even before all top contestants had arrived.
Trouble began when Enock Ong’iti, an aspirant, arrived at the legendary hall only to get a fierce reception from students perceived to be supporters of Rodgers Nyanumba, the rival candidate for the top seat.
A few students allied to Ong’iti compelled security officers to allow their counterparts in before Rodgers’ group started chanting anti-Ong’iti slogans.
Ong’iti walked out in protest, with his group accusing the security agents of being biased and discriminative as supporters from either sides started throwing chairs at each other, bringing the debate to a halt.
He accused his competitor of using violence to clinch the top seat and urged security forces to apprehend those who disrupted the peaceful debate.
“He is fond of using violence and that is evident today. They should be arrested and charged with violence,” said Ong’iti.
Nyanumba arrived with his crew in the campus amid dances and celebrations from his followers.
He urged students to embrace peace, blaming the chaos on his fierce rival.
“Let us refrain from acts that are criminal. We know the conspiracy to rig us out but we won’t accept,” Nyanumba claimed.
The injured were rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral hospital where they are undergoing treatment.
The presidential debate is held annually before the Union election to allow aspirants sell their manifestos to the electorate.
Campaigns were set to officially end on Thursday while students vote on Friday. Winners will lead students for one year before fresh elections are held.