Meru University Vice Chancellor Japheth Magambo has downplayed calls for his resignation after the murder of a student leader.
“Why resign? What for?" is what he said on Wednesday following a call by
Students have also demanded that he leave office over the killing of student union Secretary General Evans Njoroge.
Magambo addressed the press at the institution, where protests have taken place over matters including high fees.
He said the university was closed indefinitely on February 1 and that the students were not supposed to be there.
"Unfortunately, some students hang around the university. They barricaded Meru –Maua Road but police chased them away."
The VC said he learned of Njoroge's death through the media.
“Police have not officially told us how he died. We do not know [how it happened] but we are extremely sorry and extend our condolences to the family. When we have the information we will communicate with the family but we are very sorry about what happened."
The VC said the fourth-year students were to report on Thursday but that the date will be pushed due to the unrest.
“We have not yet decided when the students will come back but other campuses are operational," he said.
The stand-off between student and the university's management has disrupted learning for a whole academic year. Learners have demonstrated at least six times.
Reports indicate that Njoroge was shot at close range on Tuesday by a police officer who chased him into a banana plantation.
The owner of the farm said an Administration Police officer committed the crime.