Chaos erupted along Magadi Road on Monday as Multimedia University students staged protests following the tragic death of their colleague, Lameck Wambui Mwangi. Mwangi, a second-year student in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology, was found dead on March 9, in what authorities suspect was a hit-and-run accident.
The students, angered by the circumstances surrounding Mwangi’s death, barricaded Magadi Road, causing major disruptions to traffic flow towards Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County. The protests, which started early in the morning, saw students engaging police in running battles as law enforcement officers attempted to disperse the demonstrators. Tear gas was fired to break up the crowds, but the students remained resolute in their demands for justice.
The protesting students blamed the accident on the newly recarpeted road, which they claim lacks essential safety features such as markings and speed bumps. They argued that the absence of these crucial elements has turned the road into a danger zone, making it prone to accidents.
“We have lost a fellow student due to reckless driving, and the government must ensure that this road is safe for pedestrians,” said one of the protesting students. “We demand proper road markings, speed bumps, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
Motorists were stranded for hours as the standoff between students and police escalated. Some were forced to seek alternative routes as the situation remained tense. Business operators in the area also reported disruptions as customers and employees struggled to access their premises.
Police officers, who were called to the scene, confirmed that they had retrieved a body following reports of an accident. They assured the students that investigations into the circumstances of Mwangi’s death were underway and that appropriate action would be taken. Additionally, authorities pledged to engage relevant road agencies to address the concerns raised about road safety.
Despite police intervention, students vowed to continue with demonstrations until their demands were met. The incident has reignited conversations about road safety measures, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic, with many calling for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives.
