By
Reagan Nyadimo
In what was seen as
works of idle minds, Kenyatta University students were thrown into a state of confusion
and panic today around mid-day when texts circulating from unknown source
informed students that exams scheduled for late March were postponed till
further notice due to the ongoing lecturers strike. The text that read “Hi Comrades Exams
Have Been postponed Officially Till Further Notice Due To the Prevailing Strike
for the Lecturers. Pliz Pass to Others. From Lone Felix” was not
taken lightly by a section of students who were in the library preparing for
the exams whose fate hangs in the balance. This was followed by mass exodus
from the postmodern library as some students were even planning to pack and go
home than idle around the university with exams not forthcoming. 
A number of
calls and messages from concerned students prompted a sharp reaction from the
Kenyatta University president Lone Felix who rubbished the claims and called
upon students to remain calm as the situation is being sorted out. In a message
sent through social media, Felix denied any knowledge of the text and informed
students that the university has not closed down and there are no plans to
postpone exams. He further reiterated that students will be compensated for
their lost time and if there will changes in regards to the dates of examination
then students should expect official communication from his office and not
through third party sources or from alternative sources that are not linked to
the school administration. As sign of
solidarity with the Kenyatta University students association, deputy
vice-chancellor (Academic) Prof.John Okumu further distanced its office from
the claims and termed the stray text as rumors and urged students to remain
calm as the issues of Industrial Action is being handled by the relevant organs
of the government.
A source privy to
senate matters who didn’t want to be named as he is not allowed to speak on
behalf of the administration said that such uncalled for actions can earn a
student expulsion from the university and hinted that the senate will do all it
can to establish the origin of the text whose effect would have
caused the university its name. This is the second time in less than four days
that Kenyatta University students are thrown into panic mode. The former case
was on Sunday March 16, 2014 when academic secretary Dan Mark was forced to be
office to calm 3rd years who had vowed to cause chaos in this world
class University by taking their frustrations to Thika-road if their grieve
senses were not heard and addressed by the relevant authorities. This was after
rumors started circulating that 3rd years were scheduled to go home
for another long holiday when they had come from another equally long academic
break.
It is evident that
students are becoming idle in campuses, therefore the relevant organs need to
move with speed to resolve the lecturers strike and curb such uncalled for rumors
otherwise universities may face double tragedy as there are malevolent students
who are out to cause chaos,destruction and destroy properties under the banner
of lecturers strike.
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