Chaos at Egerton University after machete attack on female student

Egerton University experienced chaos on Monday night after a female student was attacked by suspected muggers, resulting in serious injuries.

The student was reportedly ambushed by a machete-wielding assailant outside the female students' hostels at the Njoro-based institution.

Preliminary reports indicate that the attack occurred around 10:30 PM, leaving the student with cuts to her head and limbs before the assailant fled the scene. The attacker is still at large.

“She had what appeared to be machete cuts on the forehead and hands. She had lost a lot of blood by the time she was rushed to the university clinic,” said a student who sought anonymity.

The incident which is said not to be the first one sparked outrage among the students, those living inside and off campus hostels.

The irate students living in hostels outside the university stormed the institution which is guarded by both police officers and private guards round the clock.

“The students arrived at the gate and tried to force their way in. The guards and police officers on duty denied them entry leading to a confrontation,” said one of the student leaders.

The confrontation saw the security officers overpowered as the students brought down a section of the gate where they lit a huge fire before they were repulsed, even as it emerged that such attacks have been on the rise.

“We are questioning how criminals have been accessing the university which has both guards and police officers. At all times, one has to be searched before entry,” added the student leader.

He noted that streets leading to various sections of the university are poorly lit exposing the students to the risks of such attacks and mugging.

“There has also been some laxity in restoring the street lights. The dark sections have become hot spots for these attacks. The administration has been aware but has not acted,” he added.

Njoro Sub County Police Commander David Apima told The Standard that the attack was under investigations.

“The victim of the attack was attended to and discharged. We deployed officers who managed to restore order in the university at around 3am. The culprits are yet to be apprehended,” said Apima.

The sub county police boss further noted that the issue of poor lighting had been raised with the administration for quick action even as more security arrangements are made.

“Am aware the university leadership is acting on the matter. We are ready to provide the necessary support to ensure the students in and outside the university are safe,” said Apima.

The incident occurs at a time the students were undertaking exams which continued undisrupted on Tuesday.