University of Nairobi administration has come under fire recently following their statement on the security of students.
In the memo dated (24.02.2020), by the Director of Security and Safety Services Maj (rtd) Simon Cherutich titled Cases of Robbery and Rape involving female students, the head of security at the learning institution blamed the female students for some of the rape incidents.
Cherutich said that there were three incidences, which were reported to his office in the recent past, which he said were all “clear recklessness on the part of our female students can be drawn”.
He gave an example of how one of the students “had entertained herself in various joints in the city and decided to walk all alone (drunk) from the city centre to the hostels at SWA”.
“Unfortunately, she met her assailants next to KEMU building at around 0500 hours where she was assaulted and raped in turns by 3 men,” lamented Cherutich.
The statement has since gone viral on social media with many celebrities chiming in on the matter including rape survivor and former media personality Adelle Onyango who strongly condemned the varsity’s stance on rape and assault.
Following the backlash Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama has apologised to students over an insensitive memo that was directed to the student.
In his apology, the VC assured all students of their commitment to protect and take care of them at all times.
“I have noted that the memo was insensitive and does not represent the corporate values and image of the University of Nairobi, and is highly regretted,” Prof Kiama said.
He said that he will always be at the student’s “disposal for support.”
