University Students Defy IG Koome Threats, Stick To HELB Protests

Kenya University Student Organization (KUSO) President Anthony Manyara has expressed that university students will not be shaken by Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome's pronouncement that the planned anti-government protests are illegal.

Speaking to Viral Tea on Sunday, March 26, Manyara noted that the students will not be cowed by Koome's assertion that the police force is ready and equipped for that day and will arrest those planning to disrupt businesses and destroy property.

He maintained that the students are not intending to break any law during the protests on Monday, March 27 and that pressure was piling up on the government to address their demands.

KUSO President Anthony Manyara speaking to the media on March 23, 2023. /FACEBOOK.ANTHONY MANYARA

"As Comrades, we have heard the Inspector General's assertions and threats. We are unafraid since we don't intend to break any law.

"We want to tell the government that: you cannot cure diarrhoea by stitching the anus. Italipuka (It will blow up). Pressure is building up," he addressed.

Manyara further noted that the protests he had declared for Friday every week over the delayed disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans are still on, following up on his statement on Thursday, March 23.

He had noted at the time that the KUSO leadership had agreed that an invitation be sent to all students, parents, guardians and even lecturers to join in weekly nationwide student demonstrations until HELB loans are deposited to students' accounts.

"Nothing will prevent comrades from going to the streets on Friday if HELB is not released. That is our main plight," he added.

Manyara on Thursday indicated that a final reminder was issued to HELB officials as well as government ministries involved in the fund regarding the importance of the loan funds to university students across the country.

Meanwhile, NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua called upon Kenyans to turn out in large numbers for the Monday protests since they are protected by the law, noting that no harm shall come upon the coalition principals or the demonstrators.