A violent confrontation at Umma University has sparked outrage after a security guard was caught on video assaulting a student over a grooming policy.
The incident, now widely shared online, shows a young man being pinned to the ground and beaten as onlookers plead for restraint.
The student, identified as 22-year-old Abdi Mohamed, is said to have been stopped at the university gate during a routine check. According to witnesses, the guard insisted that Mohamed shave his hair to comply with institutional rules.
Mohamed reportedly declined, explaining that his hairstyle was tied to personal and cultural identity. Moments later, the situation escalated.
Footage from the scene contradicts initial claims from security that the student was aggressive.
Instead, it captures a one-sided attack, with the guard throwing punches and kicks while the student attempts to shield himself. Several students can be heard urging the guard to stop, but their appeals go ignored.
The incident has stirred debate far beyond the campus. Online reactions have been swift and unforgiving, with many questioning why enforcement of a dress code turned physical.
Others have raised concerns about whether such policies are applied fairly, especially to students from minority backgrounds.
In a brief statement, the university confirmed the guard’s suspension and said investigations are underway. It also acknowledged the need to reassess its policies. Still, critics argue that institutional rules should never be enforced through force, regardless of the circumstances.
Mohamed is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the assault. His family has called for legal action, insisting that accountability must go beyond internal disciplinary measures.
The episode has reignited a broader conversation about campus culture in Kenya—how rules are enforced, who they affect, and whether institutions are truly accommodating the diversity they claim to represent.
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