Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said he was blocked from entering the JKUAT campus following the abrupt cancellation of a student forum. The event, which was meant to discuss law, policy, and governance, was cancelled without prior notice, according to Sifuna. He accused the university administrators of creating an atmosphere of fear that discourages opposition voices from engaging with academic institutions.
Sifuna claimed that people are losing jobs simply for being associated with him, highlighting a growing sense of intimidation. He expressed concern that such actions could have a chilling effect on political discourse and academic freedom. The incident has sparked discussions about the relationship between political figures and educational institutions in Kenya.
The JKUAT Karen campus, part of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the event cancellation. Sifuna’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the role of universities in political engagement and the safety of public figures.
