Meru University Main Gate
Tensions ran high on the Meru-Maua highway on Tuesday, January 28, as protests by Meru University students brought traffic to a halt for hours.
The demonstrations erupted after the killing of a student on Monday night, an incident that sparked outrage over escalating insecurity around the university.
According to students, the victim was fatally stabbed near the Mascan Area, a location notorious for criminal activity, including attacks and robberies targeting learners.
The protests began at night with the lighting of bonfires that barricaded the road so that no vehicle could ply on it, and motorists were called upon to seek alternative roads out of this seemingly tense scenario.
By midday Tuesday, hundreds of angry students had blocked the highway, lighting bonfires and vowing to remain on the streets until their grievances were addressed.
The protesters accused both the university administration and local authorities of failing to act upon their repeated concerns about unsafe conditions around the institution.
File image of police officers during past demonstrations
Police struggled to contain the situation, shooting teargas to disperse the protesters.
Videos and images seen by Daily Times KE showed chaotic scenes as students clashed with officers in running battles.
This was one more feather added to Meru University over frequent strikes, as students have time and again taken to the streets.
In previous years, the learning institution has faced demonstrations over the university policy on financing systems and university officials.
Tuesday’s unrest came just hours after a separate student protest at Kenyatta University, where learners blocked a section of Thika Road over a week-long electricity outage.
Normalcy was restored at Kenyatta University after students issued an ultimatum to authorities to resolve the power issue.
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