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University Students Block Meru-Nairobi Highway After Fatal Accident Claims Life

A blocked section of the Meru-Nairobi Highway. Photo courtesy: The County Focus 

Business along the Meru-Nairobi Highway was paralyzed on Monday by protests from students of Chuka University who were demanding road safety measures following a fatal accident over the weekend. 

Hundreds of students, led by the Chuka University Students Association (CUSA), had converged as early as 7 am at Gate A of the university, preparing to take to the highway.

The area had a heavy contingent of police trying to push the crowds further back for law and order. 

Amateur videos seen by Daily Times KE showed large groups of students blocking the highway, disrupting traffic, and chanting for action from authorities. 

The police were eventually forced to use tear gas to disperse the protesters, though the students regrouped several times to continue their demonstration.

The protests come after an incident on Saturday evening when one student lost his life in a road accident on the Meru-Nairobi Highway and left another critically injured.

In response to the incident, CUSA noted in a memo dated October 28 that the authorities have ignored repeated demands to have some road safety measures put in place, including speed bumps, barricades and pedestrian crossings along the busy highway.

Protestors along the Meru-Nairobi Highway. Photo courtesy: The County Focus

At the same time, CUSA Secretary General James Kariuki rallied students and asked for action by the authorities.

"This is not the first time that a comrade dies in an accident; we are sick and tired of this disregard."

He called on students to stand as one, terming the protest a united stand against continued accidents along the highway.

Workers from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) arrived early in response to the protests to paint zebra crossings. 

However, the students felt these efforts fell short of what was needed.

“We need a permanent solution, we want a flyover or footbridge,” some of the protesters chanted.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei tried to calm the frustrated students by highlighting the government’s commitment to improving road safety. 

Unfortunately, many students remained unconvinced, expressing their distrust in the promises made.

Leading the march were CUSA leaders, including President Evans Muchanga, who vowed to continue fighting for meaningful safety measures until real change is achieved.

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