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500 skip lectures over water crisis

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Published on Tuesday, 29 April 2008 19:34
Kisii University College students boycotted classes for the second day Wednesday to protest against an acute water shortage.The students also complained of the poor state of the one-kilometre road leading to the university from the Kisii-Kilgoris highway and demanded that it be repaired.

“We are going to go on a hunger strike and continue boycotting classes until our grievances are addressed,” students’ organisation chairman, Haron Moti said. On Monday, scores of students from the college were injured and four others arrested in a confrontation with the police.

Those arrested were released unconditionally following the intervention of district commissioner Njoroge Ndirangu. The students had marched from the university to Mwembe when they met anti-riot officers who lobbed tear gas canisters at them. “We were going to Kisii Town to give our grievances to the DC when we were confronted by the anti-riot police. It was a peaceful march and it is sad that police used brutality to disperse us,” said Mr Moti.

A Student, Mohammed Hawshi, suffered hand, leg and head injuries after five police officers cornered and beat him with batons.

Congested

The more than 500 students also claimed that their hostels were congested. “A hostel meant for eight students is currently accommodating 16. The hostel has one toilet and bathroom,” said Mr Barack Warega. The university’s principal, Prof Francis Lelo, said the grievances were genuine. 
“We have been talking about the water problem and the road for several years but nothing is happening,” said Prof Lelo.