Kibabii University Shuts Down After Student Death Sparks Protests, Students Ordered Out

Kibabii University has been shut down indefinitely after protests erupted on campus following the reported death of a third-year student in an overnight attack.

The Bungoma-based university suspended teaching and learning on Tuesday, October 6, after tensions rose among students demanding action over security concerns.

The university Senate reached the decision during a special meeting convened in response to the unrest.

The trouble reportedly began after a group of students was attacked by unknown assailants on Monday night. One student, said to be in his third year, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital in Bungoma, where he later died.

Three other students were reportedly injured and taken to hospital for treatment.

News of the student’s death triggered demonstrations on Tuesday, with students calling for improved security and accountability over the incident.

The protests later turned tense as police moved to contain the demonstrations. Students reportedly blocked roads around the institution, disrupting transport and businesses in the area.

Tensions were further heightened by reports that some students attempted to retrieve their colleague’s body from a local hospital.

In a memo issued by Registrar of Academic Affairs Jacklyne Okello Alari, the university ordered all students to leave the institution by 3pm on Tuesday.

Those staying in university hostels were also required to vacate their rooms. Students living in the surrounding neighbourhood were advised to find alternative accommodation until the university announces the resumption of academic activities.

The institution did not give a date for reopening, meaning students will remain away from campus until a further notice is issued.

The closure comes as public universities across Kenya are already dealing with disruptions caused by a nationwide lecturers’ strike.

Members of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) began industrial action on October 2 after talks over the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement failed to resolve outstanding issues.

The union has cited matters including implementation of the agreement, salary funding and other employment concerns.

At Kibabii, the lecturers’ strike has therefore coincided with a separate security crisis, leaving students facing an indefinite interruption of their studies.