The University of Nairobi students exploded in uproar on Saturday, staging a fierce protest after the sudden disappearance of their Student Association (UNSA) President, Rocha Madzao.
Outraged students blocked Uhuru Highway, leading to the deployment of anti-riot police, who clashed with the protesters as they attempted to clear the road, causing major traffic disruptions.
The disappearance of Madzao is closely linked to his vocal opposition to a controversial new funding model for universities introduced by the government.
Hours before his disappearance, Madzao had addressed a rally at the university and condemned the model, giving the government an ultimatum of one week to abandon it or face mass demonstrations.
“We are giving the government one week to scrap off this model,” declared Madzao.
“I’m imploring all students and citizens of goodwill to join us with good dancing shoes and vuvuzelas as we protest against our right to free basic and compulsory education for every child.”
Students reacted with outrage, and UNSA Secretary-General Ramesh Saxena has called for national action by student leaders.
“An injury to one comrade is an injury to all comrades, and no one shall know peace till the president is back with us,” Saxena said.
The union official added that Madzao had made a brief, distressing call to his assistant late Friday night in which the line suddenly cut off, raising fears for his safety.
The protests also reflect wider unease over the new funding model, which critics say favours wealthier students and erodes access to education for poor families.
Recent reports that student leaders were given Sh25,000 each at a secret meeting at State House have further stoked students’ anger.
However, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has denied the claims, saying the meeting was intended to engage students in policy discussions.
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