University of Nairobi Apologizes After Memo Shifting Blame on Raped Student Sparks Outrage
The University of Nairobi has issued an apology after a memo addressing the rape of a female student at the institution sparked public uproar.
The memo released on Tuesday claimed the student, who was allegedly raped by three men, was to blame for the incident, a claim that angered Kenyans on social media.
In a statement on Wednesday, UoN Vice-Chancellor Stephen Kiama admitted that the memo that was authored by the acting director of security and safety services, was insensitive.
“I have noted that the memo was insensitive and did not represent the corporate values and the image of the University of Nairobi, and is highly regretted,” said Kiama.
In the memo, the university termed the rape incident as a clear case of recklessness by the rape victim. It alleged that the affected student went out drinking in various entertainment joints in the city and returned to the university “drunk” and “alone”.
"A female student entertained herself in various joints in the City and decided to walk all alone (drunk) from City centre to the hostels at SWA. Unfortunately, she met her assailants,” read part of the memo.
“In all the 3 incidences reported since last year, a clear case of recklessness in the part of our female students can be drawn,” the memo stated.
The memo gave students a raft of guidelines that they should follow to ensure their safety at the institution.
Kenyans online criticized the university accusing it of propagating the rape culture by blaming the victims.
Comments
Truth be told everybody…
Permalink
Truth be told everybody needs to take responsibility of their own security to the best of their ability. The UoN didn't say anything wrong......we get a designated driver when we plan on painting the city red.....why would a woman go drinking herself tops without a trusted friend?..decide to walk that path alone, at night, while intoxicated? That's RECKLESS...very reckless...no apologies.
Was she raped because she…
Permalink
Was she raped because she exercised her God given ,and constitutional rights to walk in supposedly a free and independent country?Rape is acrime folks. Its the criminals that violated her.Please note that not all men would take advantage of a drunk woman. Yes unfortunately there are those who would and they could be even in church.
I dont know under what circumstances she walked "home,"So i will not guess what she could have done to mitigate the situation. Nonetheless let's not give criminals a free pass by such insenditive suggestions as she was reckless...They should not touched her that's all.This is men be having badly.I have seen men in a matatu groping awoman without her consent.To me this was "rape,".And to my recollection the woman was not reckless by being a passenger.
Let be hard on our men when they behave in such a disrespectfully way toward our mothers,mother sisters. Aunts ,girlfriends, and wives.
Was she raped because she…
Permalink
Was she raped because she exercised her God given ,and constitutional rights to walk in supposedly a free and independent country?Rape is acrime folks. Its the criminals that violated her.Please note that not all men would take advantage of a drunk woman. Yes unfortunately there are those who would and they could be even in church.
I dont know under what circumstances she walked "home,"So i will not guess what she could have done to mitigate the situation. Nonetheless let's not give criminals a free pass by such insenditive suggestions as she was reckless...They should not touched her that's all.This is men be having badly.I have seen men in a matatu groping awoman without her consent.To me this was "rape,".And to my recollection the woman was not reckless by being a passenger.
Let be hard on our men when they behave in such a disrespectfully way toward our mothers,mother sisters. Aunts ,girlfriends, and wives.
@Maxiley, I was a UoN…
Permalink
In reply to Was she raped because she… by Maxiley (not verified)
@Maxiley, I was a UoN Student in the early 90s. I participated in the riots, and I don't have any regrets. I was arrested several times. When you go through baptism of 🔥, you don't have time for Nonsense.
@ settled Normad.Thanks for…
Permalink
In reply to @Maxiley, I was a UoN… by Settled Nomad (not verified)
@ settled Normad.Thanks for putting your life on the line for justice and truth.We need more of you.l iwould have joined you if I were there.Fortunately or unfortunately igot a scholarship to study in the USA.But I will always fight for justice whereever there in injustice.
Add new comment