The University of Nairobi (UoN) has temporarily shifted classes at its Kikuyu Campus to online learning following rising insecurity in the Thogoto area.
In an internal memo dated Wednesday, March 18, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Jeremiah Kalai, urged academic staff to conduct lectures virtually for at least one week as the situation is monitored.
Kalai noted that the decision was prompted by growing safety concerns, revealing that some students had already fallen victim to attacks by a gang operating in the area.
University of Nairobi moves Kikuyu Campus classes online as insecurity rises in Thogoto. Photo: Courtesy.
The move comes amid a wave of violent incidents linked to a gang terrorising residents in Thogoto, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
A female student was injured during a robbery incident involving suspected gang members, while a lecturer from the institution remains hospitalised after being stabbed.
Preliminary reports suggest the violence may be linked to tensions between students and local residents.
The dispute reportedly escalated after students allegedly confronted and attacked a local resident who had attempted to return a lost power bank.
UoN Kikuyu Campus President Zipporah Zainab has since called on local leaders to initiate dialogue between the community and students in a bid to restore calm.
Police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the attacks, even as residents continue to demand swift government intervention.
Members of the community allege that the gang operates using motorbikes and is often armed with knives and machetes, targeting victims before fleeing the scene.
