Don't mobilize students for violence - Varsity leaders

Student Leaders Ruth Ambogo (Strathmore University Students' Council- Public Relations, Lone Felix- President Kenyatta University Students' Association and Kipsaro Boit- Chairman, Moi University Students Association).Photo/Courtesy

University Student Leaders have called upon members of the Jubilee and Cord coalition to dialogue through existing institutions and legal frameworks.

The leaders raised concerns over heightened tensions in the country during a National Student Leaders Forum due to heightened tensions in the run up to Monday, Saba Saba day.

There is currently a standoff between the government and the opposition over rallies planned over the weekend in the build up to Saba Saba which Cord leader Raila Odinga said will only be called off until the government agrees to national dialogue on his terms. 

In a joint statement from 33 Universities across the country both Private and Public, the leaders proposed that a committee drawing membership from the Commission on Administrative Justice, the transitional Authority, the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution,  Parliament and the Inter Religious Council be set up to facilitate a comprehensive discussion for national dialogue. They however warned that  dialogue cannot take place in the current atmosphere of heightened political tension. 

The leaders further warned politicians against recruiting students to cause chaos saying that those doing so currently must stop. “In the past, University Student leaders have been used to auction students into demonstrations and protests. That type of leadership is long gone. We currently focus on principal, values and what is genuinely in the good interest of the country.” the leaders said

The student leaders  said that politicians should focus on the economy saying that the country needs to maintain peace in a manner which increases confidence in the country.  “ We wish to remind the political class, that indeed political freedom is secured in our constitution and they can proceed to exercise their rights. However, we charge them with the responsibility of ensuring a single undivided country.

We are prepared to hold them to account, and anyone who is not willing to unite for the sake of the country, we will unite the country against them.” the student leaders said.

They called on the government to  serve everyone with the basic services that will catalyze development and economic growth. The leaders also called upon Kenyans to promote peace on social media through the  hashtag #StudentLeadersForPeace.