On October 3, 2024, police used batons, teargas and live bullets to disperse students protesting the closure of Moi University after prolonged strikes from lecturers. Three students sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

The protests started after students were told to immediately vacate the campus without any prior notice of the closure. During the protest, hundreds of students vandalized the main gate and street lights of the university.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent attacks in the course of a protest by protestors and by police. While students and faculty have the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, including the right to protest content and events with which they disagree, they must exercise those rights responsibly and with respect for the free expression rights and academic freedom of other members of the higher education community and society at large. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. protesters must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression.

Sources:

*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001503947/moi-university-closed-indefinitely-following-lecturers-strike-students-unrest#google_vignette
https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2024/10/moi-university-closes-indefinitely-following-unrest/
https://educationnews.co.ke/moi-university-students-stranded-as-police-force-them-out-after-closure/
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/chaos-as-students-protest-over-moi-university-indefinite-closure-4784828