Kibabii University has suspended teaching and learning indefinitely after student protests erupted on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, following a deadly attack that left one student dead and three others injured.
The unrest began after four students were reportedly attacked by unknown assailants near the university on Monday night.
One of the victims, who sustained severe injuries, died, while three others were rushed to hospital for treatment.
The incident sparked anger among students, who took to the streets on Tuesday morning demanding immediate action from the university administration and security agencies over what they described as growing concerns about their safety.
The demonstrations disrupted learning activities and spilled onto the busy Chwele-Kanduyi Road, where students reportedly lit bonfires and blocked the highway, disrupting transport and business operations in the area.
Police officers were deployed to restore order as tensions escalated.
Students are also demanding enhanced security around the university, including increased police patrols and improved lighting in areas surrounding the institution.
University closes indefinitelyIn response to the unrest, the Kibabii University Senate held a special meeting on Tuesday and resolved to suspend first-semester activities for the 2026/2027 academic year with immediate effect.
The university subsequently ordered all students to vacate the institution by 3pm on Tuesday, including those living in university hostels.
Students residing in the neighbourhood were also advised to seek alternative accommodation until teaching and learning activities resume.
The university did not provide a specific date for reopening.
The administration’s decision effectively brings academic activities at the Bungoma-based university to a halt as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police probe attack
Security agencies have launched investigations to establish the identity of the attackers, their motive and the circumstances that led to the fatal incident.
The students’ protests have also placed renewed attention on security around institutions of higher learning, particularly areas where students frequently travel between campuses, hostels and surrounding businesses.
The latest unrest comes at a difficult time for Kenya’s public universities, which are already experiencing disruption from the ongoing Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) strike.
UASU began its nationwide strike on October 2 after negotiations over the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) failed to resolve outstanding issues.
Lecturers at Kibabii University have been among those participating in the industrial action.
The combination of the lecturers’ strike and the latest student unrest has further disrupted academic activities at Kibabii University, leaving students away from campus until the institution issues fresh directions.
Authorities are expected to intensify investigations into the deadly attack as pressure mounts for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice.
