Laikipia University Closed Indefinitely After Days of Students’ Unrest

Laikipia University Closed Indefinitely After Days of Students’ Unrest

Laikipia University has been closed indefinitely following days of escalating student unrest triggered by the death of a first-year student, forcing thousands of learners to vacate the campus with immediate effect.

In a notice dated Monday, March 23, the university administration announced the shutdown after demonstrations intensified, raising serious safety and security concerns for students, staff, and surrounding communities.

The protests reached a peak on Saturday, March 21, when students spilled onto the busy Nyahururu–Nakuru Highway, blocking traffic for hours and bringing transport to a standstill. Demonstrators barricaded sections of the road with stones and debris, chanting slogans and demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the death of their colleague.

Police were deployed to disperse the crowds, leading to running battles as tensions escalated. Witnesses reported that motorists were stranded for long periods, with some forced to seek alternative routes as the situation deteriorated.

The unrest was sparked by the death of Hillary Vumilu, a first-year Media and Communication student who died after being struck by a rock during a hiking excursion at Subukia Viewpoint waterfalls on Friday, March 20.

According to fellow students, the incident occurred during what was described as a recreational outing, sending shockwaves through the campus community. News of his death triggered grief, anger, and widespread calls for accountability, with many students questioning safety arrangements and the response to the incident.

University officials convened an emergency meeting to assess the deteriorating situation before deciding to suspend academic operations indefinitely.

“The 196th Special Senate Meeting of the University, held on March 23, 2026, at 1:30pm, has resolved that the University be closed with immediate effect following student unrest,” the notice stated.

Students were instructed to leave the campus immediately, with authorities warning that failure to comply would attract disciplinary measures. Security personnel, supported by government agencies, were deployed to oversee the evacuation and maintain order during the closure.

“The University security personnel, in liaison with government security agencies, will supervise the evacuation process to ensure compliance. Any student who fails to comply with this directive will be subject to disciplinary action,” the administration warned.

By Monday evening, buses and private vehicles were seen ferrying students away from the institution as anxious parents and guardians made arrangements for their children’s return home.

The administration said academic activities would remain suspended until further notice and that updates on reopening would be communicated through official channels once conditions stabilise.

“Further communication regarding the resumption of academic activities and related administrative arrangements will be issued through official University channels in due course,” the notice added.

Student leaders have called for transparent investigations into the circumstances of Vumilu’s death, arguing that accountability is necessary to restore trust between the administration and the student body.

Education experts note that university closures due to unrest can have long-term academic and financial consequences, disrupting learning schedules, delaying examinations, and affecting graduation timelines.

The incident has also reignited debate over safety standards during student excursions and the need for clearer protocols when organising off-campus activities.

Local authorities have urged calm as investigations continue, while counselling services are expected to be offered to students and staff affected by the tragedy.

For now, the once-bustling campus remains largely deserted, its closure a stark reminder of how a single tragic event can spiral into widespread unrest. As the nation watches, many hope that justice for the deceased student and meaningful dialogue will pave the way for a peaceful reopening in the weeks ahead.

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Laikipia University Closed Indefinitely After Days of Students’ Unrest