Nyeri Polytechnic Closed Indefinitely After Violent Student Protests

Nyeri Polytechnic has been shut down indefinitely, with students instructed to leave the campus immediately following clashes with police triggered by a dispute over student leadership elections.

The unrest, which brought teaching and administrative activities to a standstill, escalated rapidly on Friday as students blocked access roads to the institution using stones, branches and other debris.

Lectures and administrative functions were suspended as security forces were called in to restore order.

Footage circulating on social media and seen by local media showed large groups of students chanting and moving through the grounds before the demonstrations turned confrontational, leading to running battles on and around the campus.

Police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds, with thick clouds of the irritant seen drifting across roads as students scattered before regrouping at a distance.

Police vehicles were also observed manoeuvring in the area as officers sought to restore order.

In an official notice, polytechnic authorities ordered all students to vacate the premises immediately, citing the need to safeguard lives and property.

The closure comes amid growing concerns about recurring unrest in educational institutions recently in Kenya.

The incident follows a similar episode at Ingotse Boys High School, which was also closed indefinitely after violent protests on the night of May 20. Students at the school allegedly went on a rampage, vandalising buildings, smashing windows and doors, and causing significant damage, particularly to the school library, where parts of the facility were reportedly set ablaze, destroying books and furniture. That school was also closed indefinitely.

In Nyeri, local leaders and education officials have called for calm and dialogue to resolve underlying grievances. As of Friday afternoon, no timeline had been set for reopening the polytechnic.

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