Maseno students protest over killing of their colleague

Maseno University students on Tuesday morning took to the streets to protest against the killing of a student during an anti-government protest within the area.

The third-year student, William Mayenga, was hit on the neck around 5 pm.

The student had joined other Azimio la Umoja demonstrators following the call by its leader.

The students blocked the Kisumu-Busia Road causing a traffic snarl up within the area as they demanded justice.

Vehicles were forced to seek alternative routes to avoid confrontation with the students before police officers arrived at the scene.

Journalists who were at the scene stood at a distance to avoid coming close to the protesting students who were wild.

The students are currently engaging the officers in a running battle along the Kisumu Busia Road.

The officers sent the students away from the streets, but they came back again.

However, some of the students who spoke to the media on the side noted that there will be no peace without justice, hence action must be taken against the officers who killed one of them.

A student noted that it's unfortunate that the officers from their report changed the narrative of what transpired on Monday.

"The comrade was shot a few meters away from the school gate, what police are saying is not true and we will stand in truth, and we seek justice for one of our own," Ochieng said.

He further claimed that during the Monday incident, officers gained access into their hostels and beat up some students something he said must be addressed.

Another student said on Monday they were peaceful in their demos before the police started lobbying teargas canisters and to some extent, the number of officers increased.

"What is being said that there were some lootings done by the students is false," he said.

The deceased parents are also seeking justice and answers to how their son died.

The father Joash Mayenga said he was yet to understand why his son was shot dead saying he was humble and a very calm person.

The mother Everline Miruka however accused the police of failing to protect the students.

She said the officers turned against the students who they were supposed to protect.

This comes even as Governor Anyang Nyong’o had called for the arrest of the officer who was involved in the shooting of the student.

It is unfortunate that instead of using tear gas or rubber bullets, the police chose to fire live ammunition at the students," he said.

He said the police should exhibit professionalism and restraint while quelling riots instead of using brutality on unarmed protestors.