University closed over riots

The University of Nairobi was closed indefinitely yesterday after three days of rioting by students protesting over the “irregular” allocation of land in Karura forest - Kenya’s largest indigenous forest - to developers. The closure preempted the student’s ultimatum to the government, demanding that it declare its stand on the controversy by Tuesday. The riots paralysed parts of the city centre, left scores of students, police and members of the public injured, and property vandalised.

President Daniel arap Moi said yesterday the Karura controversy was propelled by hatred and tribalism. He wondered why it generated such heat when other suburbs of Nairobi which were once forests have given way to human settlement. Meanwhile, three MPs and a member of the Green Belt movement accused of incitement to violence over the Karura disturbances were released on bail today.