Public Universities Closure: Institutions To Close For Elections As Religious Leaders Ask For Decorum

Public Universities Closure – All public tertiary institutions in Kenya will close on the 4th of August for the elections.

This directive was issued by Education CS Fred Matiang’i to Vice Chancellors at a meeting at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.

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University of Nairobi VC Peter Mbithi has gone ahead to send a memo to all staff of the institution informing them of the break which will last for two weeks.

“This is to inform all staff the University of Nairobi will close with effect from August 4, 2017, up to August 18, 2017,” said Prof Mbithi.

He explained that the closure was meant to give all staff a chance to participate in the elections but noted that his office will remain open during that period.

It is not far-fetched to point out that the public universities closure is a way to protect institutions from possible violence with there being so much uncertainty and competition in this elections.

So much preparation has gone into quelling such possible violence and if history has taught us anything, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Religious leaders in Kenya have, meanwhile, stepped in to address politicians countrywide to exercise restraint during their campaigns and avoid inciting citizens against one another.

Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop Pius Muiru, Apostle Kimani William, Rev I. O. Omondi, Bishop Joe Ireri were some of the religious leaders who met to discuss the election.

In a joint statement by the clerics, they urged all Kenyans to exercise their democratic rights by electing their leaders of choice without being fearful of any reprisal.

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They also urged the IEBC to assure the nation that they are prepared for the General Election and in particular, whether they will test the election equipment especially in rural areas where there is no electricity as part of ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

They went on to condemn the riots happening in some parts of the country and urged Kenyans to embrace peace and unity.

The religious leaders took the opportunity to aounce that they would be holding another national prayer day at Uhuru Park on Saturday, July 22.