Parents send their children to campus discerning that life there is all about books.
Being in campus is like living in a community where all and sundry are; you expect co-curricular activities like sports, music and drama, but one major non-academic thing in campus is politics.
Over the years, campus politics has followed the trend in national politics, with hooliganism, tribalism and hate speech manifesting. We are witnesses of the things happening in our country now.
Chief Justice, Willy Mutunga said that anyone unaware of hate speech in the country knows nothing about Kenya. Could the national trend in politics be the root of evil in campus?
Violence has taken centerstage in campus politics, with big implications on both students and the school administrations. Some of these include suspension, expulsion or even jail term for the students, loss of property and lives, time loss when schools are indefinitely closed and financial implications on both parties. Despite these consequences, students still resolve to violence when political dissimilarities arise.
On October 13, 2015, Maseno University Main Campus was indefinitely closed after student riots. Some students had succumbed to death the previous day during a running battle between students and the police. This occurred when the politicical heat in the battle for the students' union leadership was high.
In October 2014, 18 students from Kenyatta University were arrested after violence broke out in the institution. On July 2015, Moi University was closed ad infinitum following violent election protests from students ahead of their elections. “The University management on behalf of the senate has decided to close Moi University Main Campus indefinitely,” Richard Mabei, the Vice Chancellor said in a memo.
And recently during students election in Kisii University, violence broke out shortly after results were released with a section of students accusing the administration of interference. Several students lost valuable property and had to flee their hostels to seek refuge at private motels in the rural town.
This is just a sample of how bad politics is accelerating in campuses.
Unless violence due to politics stops, this country will still wallow in war and poverty. How much will it cost to preach goodwill messages while campaigning in campus?
Once a leader establishes a bad foundation at a young age, it will be nearly impossible to cast it out of him. Post-election skirmishes in 2007-08 should be a reminder of what hatred can cause.
No one will stomach another round of bloodshed. Our leaders in campus should embrace peace and unity because they are the light people follow.
Charity begins at home.