By Vostine Ratemo
The demo staged by Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has been closed indefinitely after students put transport into jeopardy earlier today at Nchiru market along Meru – Maua road as they took to the streets to protest the ouster of the institution’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo who was sent on a terminal leave last week.
In videos trending online, the students are seen engaging in a tussle with police officers who had arrived at the scene to bring order. More than 10 university students have been arrested by police so far.
The university council had sent the VC on terminal leave and refused to renew his five – year contract siting under-performance and was replaced by Charity Gichuki who took the office on acting capacity.
The move was as a result of a staged demonstration by the institution staff members protesting over mismanagement of the institution and misappropriation of funds.
Odhiambo, was sent on terminal leave, four months prior to his term elapsing in July. The students on strike wanted the termination of the former VC revoked so that he can resume his duties in the institution.
He has been serving as Vice Chancellor of the institution since July of 2018, a post he was given unto by the former Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohameh.
He has an experience spanning close to three decades in academics and research where he has been a Professor of Statistics.
