Laikipia University Shut Down Indefinitely Following Violent Student Protests Over Tragic Death
Laikipia University has been closed indefinitely after days of escalating student unrest triggered by the death of a first-year Media and Communication student, Hillary Vumilu.
The tragedy occurred on Friday, March 20, 2026, when the student was fatally injured after being struck by a rock during a hiking excursion at Subukia Viewpoint waterfalls. Grief quickly turned into anger as students accused the university management of negligence in handling the incident, sparking protests that spilled beyond campus grounds.
On Saturday, March 21, students took to the streets, blocking sections of the busy Nyahururu-Nakuru Highway to demand accountability. The demonstrations led to running battles with police, significant traffic disruptions, and reports of property damage amid the chaos. Tensions remained high for two days, prompting university authorities to convene an emergency 196th Special Senate Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026. Registrar of Academic Affairs Robert Muembi announced the decision, stating that the institution would close with immediate effect due to the unrest and safety concerns.
In an official notice, all students were ordered to vacate the premises immediately, with university security personnel and government agencies supervising the evacuation process. Non-compliance would attract disciplinary action. The administration indicated that further communication on the resumption of academic activities would be issued through official channels in due course. The closure has left thousands of students displaced, highlighting ongoing issues of student welfare, safety during extracurricular activities, and the fragile state of campus security in Kenyan universities. As investigations into the hiking incident continue, many are calling for a thorough probe to prevent similar tragedies and restore calm.
