Students from Meru University of Science and Technology staged demonstrations on Wednesday, January 29, following the brutal killing of a Technical University of Mombasa student who was visiting his girlfriend in Meru.
The protests saw students light bonfires, block roads, and clash with police, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Tragic Attack Sparks Outrage
The deceased was reportedly attacked around 10 PM while heading to his girlfriend’s room after buying supper. According to students, the assailant stabbed him three times before fleeing the scene.
One protester lamented the rising insecurity, questioning the effectiveness of security measures in the area:
“One of our comrades was stabbed three times last night while going to a room with his girlfriend. We reported the case, yet no action has been taken. We have police, but they are not doing their job.”
Insecurity Concerns and Demands
The students called on the university administration and local authorities to improve security around the institution. Their demands included:
- Increased police patrols to curb attacks on students.
- Installation of better street lighting around the university to enhance safety at night.
“Comrades are being killed and robbed, but nobody is coming to our rescue. We are warning the Meru University administration and the Meru County government that we need lights around the university,” another student stated.
Recent Student Protests Over Safety and Services
The unrest at Meru University comes just two days after Kenyatta University students staged a protest over a prolonged power outage in their hostels.
On Monday, January 27, Kenyatta University students blocked a section of the Thika Superhighway, causing massive traffic disruption near Unicity Mall. The outage had lasted over a week, prompting frustrations among students.
In response, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) explained that the blackout was due to an issue in the Kiwanja area of Roysambu, where many students reside. The utility company later announced on Tuesday, January 28, that power had been fully restored to the affected region.
With student protests on the rise, universities and local authorities are under pressure to enhance security and essential services to ensure student welfare.
