MMU students protest over death of comrade

Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) students took to the streets on Monday demanding justice for their fallen colleague, Lameck Wambui Mwangi.

The second-year student lost his life in a suspected hit-and-run accident along Magadi Road the previous day. 

Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the students blocked Magadi Road towards Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, paralyzing transport for hours.

Their frustration was evident as they accused authorities of negligence, claiming the recently recarpeted road had become a death trap due to the lack of speed bumps and proper markings.

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“We have lost one of our own. How many more lives must be lost before action is taken?. The road has been newly renovated, but basic safety measures are missing. It’s unacceptable.” lamented Remmy Delile, student leader.

A memo from the university confirmed the tragic death of Mwangi, a Bachelor of Arts student in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology.

“We regret to announce the untimely demise of the late Lameck Mwangi Wambui SST-261-115/2023 which occurred on Sunday 9th March 2025 after a fatal road accident,” read the memo in part sent by Dean of Students Dr Obonyo Muga.

The protests turned chaotic as police were deployed to quell the demonstrations. Tear gas canisters were fired, and some students accused the officers of excessive force.

Last year, a viral video circulating online showed a police officer allegedly harassing a student inside the university premises before dropping a tear gas canister near him.

“This is not the first time we have raised concerns. Last year, we protested over the lack of water in the institution, and now we are here again, this time mourning a friend,” said Sheila Atieno, another student.

“Every time we raise issues, we are met with tear gas instead of solutions,” she added.

Mutia Mwandikwa, manager Corporate Affairs urged for calm as police handle the matter.

“We recognize the grief and pain our students are experiencing and urge them to remain clam as relevant authority carry investigation on. The university management strive to ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for our students,” he said.