By Anne Nyambura
The University of Nairobi (UoN) is facing a potential mass protests following an ultimatum from students demanding the immediate reinstatement of Professor Amukowa Anangwe as Chair of Council.
The students have vowed to shut down the institution and stage demonstrations at key government offices if their grievances are not addressed.
At a press conference on Sunday, student leaders warned that they would paralyze activities across all 13 faculties, including the main campus and city branches, should their demands be ignored.
“We want formal communication on why Prof. Anangwe was dismissed. If this is not addressed, we will shut down all 13 faculties and occupy senior government offices, including Parliament, where bribery seems to be influencing decisions,” said Michael Soi, a UoN student.The students likened their movement to recent Gen Z-led protests, emphasizing their ability to mobilize and pressure authorities. They defended Prof. Anangwe’s tenure, crediting him with stabilizing the university’s finances and governance.
University of Nairobi Student Association (UNSA) President Rocha Madzayo accused internal forces of attempting to derail Chancellor Patrick Verkooijen’s 24-month financial transformation agenda.
“Certain individuals within the institution are working to undermine our Chancellor’s efforts to stabilize UoN’s financial woes. We fully support his leadership and the transformative agenda,” Madzayo stated.The students further accused external political forces of interfering with the university’s leadership, citing corruption and mismanagement as key threats.
“It is unjust to fire a doctor for treating patients. Prof. Anangwe was fulfilling his mandate, and we demand his immediate reinstatement,” added Madzayo.Warning that abrupt leadership changes threaten UoN’s financial recovery and stability, the students called for transparency and continuity in governance.
“We cannot move forward if leadership changes are made arbitrarily. The university needs strong, visionary leadership,” Madzayo reiterated.As tensions rise, attention now turns to UoN’s management and government authorities to determine whether they will address the students’ demands or prepare for widespread protests that could disrupt academic activities and spill over into government institutions.
