Sifuna Blocked at JKUAT Gate as Student Forum Is Cancelled

Sifuna Blocked at JKUAT Gate as Student Forum Is Cancelled

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry to the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Karen Campus on Thursday, September 17, after a student forum he was scheduled to address was cancelled.

Sifuna said he had travelled to the campus after receiving an invitation from the student leadership to attend the inaugural Law, Policy and Governance Forum.

However, upon arrival, the senator said he found the main gate closed and was informed that the event had been cancelled. Security personnel reportedly prevented Sifuna and his team from accessing the university grounds.

The senator expressed his displeasure over the decision, saying the cancellation came after preparations for the event had already been made.

“We came to JKUAT Karen on the invitation of the student leadership for their Inaugural Law, Policy and Governance forum, but the Administration has abruptly ‘cancelled’ the event and denied us access to the institution. Totally uncalled for.”

Students Also Affected

Several students who had gathered for the forum were also reportedly left outside the university gate as discussions continued between the senator’s team and university representatives.

Footage from the scene showed students waiting outside while university officials explained the decision to postpone the meeting.

One university official cited concerns about possible unrest among students as one of the reasons for stopping the event.

“We don’t want students to cause chaos. We have postponed the meeting; then we will invite them again later.”

The official further indicated that the forum would be rescheduled and that those expected to participate would receive invitations for the new date.

Another explanation reportedly given by a university representative was the absence of several professors who were expected to be involved in the forum.

The university had not, at the time of the incident, publicly provided a detailed statement identifying who authorised the cancellation or announced a new date for the student forum.

Sifuna Plans Senate Engagement

Following the incident, Sifuna criticised what he described as a climate of fear surrounding public engagements.

The senator said he intended to continue the conversation with the students by inviting members of the JKUAT student leadership to Parliament.

He linked the planned engagement to wider discussions about constitutional freedoms and the role of young people in the country’s affairs.

“There is just fear everywhere…but a bold new generation must rise and reclaim their country. This is why we continue to preach the values in the preamble of our Constitution, most importantly, freedom.”

Sifuna also thanked the Karen Campus students for inviting him and said he would return the invitation by hosting them at the Senate.

“I thank the Governor, Students Association Karen Campus, Graham Mboya, for the invitation. I’ll be returning the courtesy by inviting you and your fellow students to the Senate so that the conversation can continue.”

Incident Comes Amid Political Activity

The JKUAT incident comes amid increased political activity in Nairobi, with Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi movement holding engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The senator has been involved in political and public forums where issues of governance, constitutional rights and youth participation have featured prominently.

The cancellation at JKUAT has also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding political figures addressing students at public universities.

For now, the exact date for the Law, Policy and Governance Forum remains unclear. The university administration had not issued further details on whether the forum would proceed or what arrangements would be made for its rescheduling.

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Sifuna Blocked at JKUAT Gate as Student Forum Is Cancelled