A new principal posted to Mitunguu Technical Training Institute (TTI) in Meru was on Wednesday evacuated to safety after angry students rioted demanding the reinstatement of former principal Lucy Anampiu.
The protesting students barricaded the Mitunguu-Kathwana road to express their dissatisfaction with the leadership changes.
Police used tea gas to disperse the rioting students.
The institute Board of Governors Chairman Kenneth Gitonga whisked the principal to safety as the students chanted in protest.
They accused the Technical and Vocational Education Training Authority of removing the principal at the peak of her development agenda.
Speaking to journalists, the TTI students organisation president Brian Kiogora said the students were unhappy with the removal of Ms Anampiu from the institution.
“Ms Anampiu has spearheaded a lot of development projects in the institution. This has seen the president visit our institution twice. The distraction will make us lag behind,” Kiogora said.
Brian Kimathi, the student’s organisation Finance Secretary said the transfer of Anampiu would hurt the institution.
“We are very unhappy about the transfer. We will remain in the streets until we are heard,” Kimathi said.
“We reject the new principal and want Lucy back. We won’t stop protesting until she comes back,” another student said.
The students also called on the government to improve access roads, install lighting and establish a health facility in the area.
Kiogora said improved lighting would reduce cases of theft targeting students.