When Meru University expelled blogger Cyprian Nyakundi over a series of social media posts, it sparked nationwide debate. That decision — formally approved by Deputy Vice Chancellor Gitonga Mburugu — would haunt the institution for years to come.
The Expulsion: What Happened?
Nyakundi, who had been admitted via the Joint Admissions Board to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, was abruptly expelled. Share Google The reasons cited by university management were his tweets, which he used to draw attention to institutional problems. Among his criticisms:
The lack of sufficient chairs in lecture halls, causing students to carry seating from one classroom to another. Share Google
Outdated or inadequate books in the library. Share Google
Poor lighting and maintenance of campus walkways, including dusty, unkempt grounds and cracked pavements.
Allegations of a sexual harassment case involving a student, and accusations that the university tried to cover it up.
Deficiencies in cafeteria services, which led to students scrambling for meals.
To supporters, these were legitimate grievances. To the university’s administration, the tweets amounted to insubordination and defamation. The expulsion letter quickly went viral, fueling public outrage. Share Google
The Aftermath: Persistence and Pushback
Even after being expelled, Nyakundi refused to back down. He continued to spotlight what he described as corruption and mismanagement at Meru University. Share Google The university responded internally: management summoned student leaders and advised them to steer clear of Nyakundi, labeling him “an outsider” whose agenda was to tarnish the institution. Share Google
In one significant development, Nyakundi broke the story of a student’s death — with images and details — before the mainstream media did. The university later acknowledged the killing, but Nyakundi claimed his swift reporting prevented the narrative from being manipulated (e.g., that the student was armed or assaulting officers). Share Google
Nyakundi’s version is that there was a deliberate attempt to misframe the shooting, perhaps saying the student attacked an officer, prompting a lethal response. He says social media pressure forced institutions like IPOA and the Ministry of Education to initiate investigations. Share Google Trade unions, including the umbrella body for university staff (UASU), also condemned the incident and demanded accountability. Share Google
Nyakundi’s Academic Record: More Than a Blogger
Contrary to popular rumours that Nyakundi was a “dropout,” his academic record tells a very different story.
2005 KCPE Top Performer: Nyakundi topped the national Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations in 2005, earning recognition as one of the brightest students of his cohort.
Excellence at Meru University: Upon admission via the Joint Admissions Board to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, he consistently excelled. For three years — before his controversial expulsion — Nyakundi was ranked among the top of his class, outperforming peers in one of the most demanding courses at the university.
These achievements reveal a student committed to academic excellence, not a “failure” as detractors have sometimes tried to frame him.
The Expulsion: What Happened?
Nyakundi’s expulsion stemmed from his outspoken nature online. Using Twitter, he highlighted problems at Meru University that many students quietly endured:
The lack of sufficient chairs in lecture halls, forcing students to carry seating from one class to another.
Outdated or inadequate books in the library.
Poor lighting and broken pavements across the campus.
Allegations of a sexual harassment case involving a student, which the university allegedly tried to cover up.
Deficiencies in cafeteria services, which led to overcrowding and food shortages.
The Campaign for Magambo’s Resignation
Nyakundi has since made Professor Magambo, the Vice Chancellor at Meru, a focal point of his campaign. He has demanded that Magambo resign, asserting that the VC played a role in bringing in the police and, by extension, in the student’s death — saying, “Why hasn’t he recorded a statement?” Share Google He insists that Meru University students should not return to campus until there’s meaningful change, including leadership overhaul. Share Google
Magambo, however, has publicly stated he has done nothing wrong and will not step down. Share Google But under mounting pressure, conversations about a possible resignation have circulated — and they’re amplified by Nyakundi’s persistent activism. Share Google
Nyakundi frames his fight as one against impunity, not a personal vendetta. “I have nothing personal against Professor Magambo … I am just fighting impunity,” he says. Share Google He further describes Magambo as someone who “is a shame to the world of creativity” and believes that “the VC has a hand in the student’s murder” because of his role in summoning law enforcement. Share Google
What’s Next?
As the standoff continues, the spotlight is on Meru University. The key questions remain:
Will Professor Magambo ultimately resign, or be forced out?
Will the investigations into the student’s death and alleged institutional malpractice lead to real reform?
Can social media and public pressure continue to play a corrective role in higher education governance?
One thing is certain: Nyakundi has made clear his intention to keep exposing what he deems rot and corruption at Meru University — and he has portrayed this as a long-term battle, not a flash in the pan.
