Rival groups clash at Babu Owino swearing-in as Sonu chair
Newly elected SONU chairman Babu Owino (centre) after he was sworn-in on April 2, 2016. Mr Owino's re-election was marred by students protests. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
Supporters of one of the aspirants, Mike Jacobs, claimed his victory had been stolen by the incumbent Babu Owino.
Riot police were called in to maintain peace during the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Owino after rivals tried to disrupt the function.
Drama unfolded at the University of Nairobi on Saturday after supporters of the two candidates vying to chair the Students Organisation of Nairobi University (Sonu) clashed.
Chaos erupted after supporters of one of the aspirants, Mike Jacobs, claimed his victory had been stolen by the incumbent Babu Owino.
Riot police were called in to maintain peace during the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Owino after rivals tried to disrupt the function.
Mr Jacobs, who addressed the press at the main campus, maintained he would not recognise Mr Owino as the chairman citing alleged irregularities.
He accused Mr Owino of hiring goons to manipulate results.
“We are going to petition this election and we will not recognise him as our chairman. How come he is elected three times, this is not Zimbabwe or Uganda,” said Mr Jacobs.
Mr Owino said he was validly elected: “I won in 10 out of 11 voting stations and, like it or not, I am the chairman and I will serve everybody.”
