A Bungoma National Polytechnic student was on Tuesday reportedly killed following a fierce clash between armed police officers and protesting learners.
The stalemate ensued on Tuesday morning after students from the institution staged demonstrations outside the school demanding the immediate dismissal of the school principal over allegations of embezzlement of funds and mismanagement.
During the demonstrations, the furious learners staged a procession through the streets of Kandunyi Town to the area Member of Parliament John Makali’s office as they sought his audience on the matter.
However, what began as a peaceful protest turned violent after police officers moved in to intervene. In a bid to disperse the protesters, the officers fired several tear gas canisters at the students.
Despite attempts to disperse them, the adamant students insisted on the demonstrations, forcing the officers to heighten their response, it was during the confrontations that the female student was reportedly shot dead.
In the videos that have since circulated widely on the internet, the students were recorded hoisting twigs and placards as they protested against the school principal. The students were heard chanting the head teacher’s name as they called for her ouster.
Upon arrival at the Kandunyi Constituency offices, the students began protesting outside the MP’s office premises as they demanded justice for the deceased who was shot during the procession to the lawmaker’s office.
After minutes of protesting outside the MP’s office, officials at the MP’s office were forced to address the students. The officials pledged to inform MP John Makali of their pleas and that their demands would be addressed promptly.
The latest developments come amidst a surge in cases of demonstrations by students at various institutions across the country. In a recent scenario, the Moi Univerity administration was compelled to close the institution after unrest.
In his statement, Moi University’s Vice Chancellor ordered all the students to immediately vacate the school premises with international students directed to contact their various heads of department for further directions.
“The University Senate in a Special meeting held today Thursday, October 3, 2024, resolved to suspend the teaching and learning activities of the 1st Semester 2024/2025 Academic Year as a consequence of the industrial action of staff and subsequent student unease,” read part of the notice.
The decision to close the institution indefinitely sparked another round of protests outside the school as learners lit bonfires and barricaded the roads that lead to Eldoret City.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE