Embattled University of Nairobi Secretary General Erick Janganya now wants police to release long-serving SONU chairperson Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino to ease tension in the institution.
Babu was arrested and taken to Kilimani police station on Wednesday night under unclear circumstances barely a week after the most accomplished institution reopened following weeks of closure that was precipitated by students’ unrest.
Mr Janganya, who is still battling his suspension accused the institution of subjecting students to unprecedented tension and urged the administration to keep off student affairs.
“I have been in this university for a long time and it doesn’t take me days to master what students are thinking," said Janganya.
"Tension is very high and it’s my sincere request to the police to release Babu unconditionally so that classes resume peacefully,” he said.
“The school administration is failing by meddling in our affairs. Some of us have been suspended and we are battling for our future and here they are making another arrest," said Janganya.
"We want students to finish the semester well without provocation and the university should not use the police to intimidate one of our own,” he told the reporter on the phone.
Janganya who also doubles as ODM Youth League chair in Kisii County challenged the institution to deal with students directly without using external forces.
“Police brutally beat up students the other day and now you are using them to arrest someone who understands the system," said Janganya.
"Its proper if the administration ceases to use police in settling our internal matters. Babu should be released for the sake of peace in the university,” he said.