University students protest killing of colleagues

Dennis Tarus

November 1, 2016 1:32 PM

Maseno and Meru universities have been rocked with protests following the deaths of two students in unclear circumstances.

In Maseno, a student was killed following an altercation with an unidentified person In Mabungo area.

The third-year student had engaged in a heated argument with the man before his death and was found in a private hostel that was his residence at the time.

In retaliation, the university students cornered the alleged killer and lynched him before setting his house on fire.

They later took to the streets and blocked the Kisumu-Busia Highway, causing a major traffic snarl up on the busy road.

University closure

Meanwhile in Meru, the administration of Meru Technical University College of Agriculture and Technology closed the institution following unrest after the death of a student.

The students accused the university's administration of negligence after failure to give urgent medical attention to the deceased.

The students paralysed traffic for several hours on the Meru-Maua highway on Monday as they barricaded the road.

Anti-riot police were forced to fire teargas to disperse the students as they arrested some.

The University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Gitong’a Mbuguru regretted the death and termed it unfortunate.

"It is very sad that we have lost a student who had a very promising life ahead of him. The student’s health deteriorated rapidly. Following the protests the university senate deliberated and made the decision to close the institution,” Mburugu said.

The student's body was later moved to the Meru Level 5 hospital mortuary.

Dennis Tarus