Laikipia University Students Block Nyahururu–Nakuru Highway in Protests Over Colleague’s Death

Laikipia University Students Block Nyahururu–Nakuru Highway in Protests Over Colleague’s Death

Traffic along the busy Nyahururu–Nakuru Highway was brought to a standstill on Saturday after students from Laikipia University staged demonstrations demanding answers over the death of a fellow student during a hiking excursion.

The protests erupted early in the day as hundreds of students poured onto the roadway, lighting bonfires, erecting makeshift barricades, and chanting slogans while calling for accountability from university authorities. The highway, a major transport corridor linking central and Rift Valley regions, remained blocked for hours, causing long traffic snarl-ups and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.

The unrest was sparked by the death of first-year Media and Communication student Hillary Vumilu, who sustained fatal injuries after reportedly being struck by a rock during a trip to the Subukia Viewpoint Waterfalls on Friday, March 20.

Grief Turns to Protest

Witnesses said Vumilu was part of a group of students visiting the scenic site when the incident occurred. Although emergency efforts were reportedly made, he succumbed to his injuries, news that quickly spread across campus and ignited widespread shock and anger.

Many students questioned the circumstances surrounding the trip, including safety arrangements and supervision, arguing that more could have been done to prevent the tragedy or respond more effectively.

As tensions escalated, protesters marched from the university grounds to the highway, accusing the institution of failing to provide clear information about what had transpired.

Running Battles with Police

Security officers were deployed to disperse the demonstrators, leading to confrontations marked by tear gas volleys and stone-throwing. Several students scattered into nearby bushes and residential areas as police attempted to reopen the road.

Despite the clashes, protesters regrouped repeatedly, vowing not to leave until officials addressed their concerns.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as stranded passengers disembarked from vehicles while traders and local residents watched from a distance.

Calls for Accountability

Students said their actions were driven by frustration over what they described as inadequate communication from the university regarding the incident.

“We want answers. We want the truth about what happened to our colleague,” one student protester said, insisting that the demonstrations would continue until an independent investigation is conducted.

Others demanded that the university review safety protocols for off-campus activities, particularly excursions to remote locations.

Impact on Transport and Community

The Nyahururu–Nakuru Highway is a critical artery for passenger and cargo transport, and its closure caused significant economic disruption, affecting public service vehicles, private motorists, and commercial transporters.

Police later managed to partially restore traffic flow, though sporadic protests continued throughout the afternoon.

Local authorities urged calm, appealing to students to allow investigations to proceed without further unrest.

University and Official Response

By Saturday evening, university officials had yet to issue a detailed public statement outlining the circumstances of the trip or the events leading to the student’s death, further fuelling speculation and anxiety within the campus community.

Education stakeholders noted that student protests following fatalities are not uncommon in Kenyan universities, particularly when incidents occur during institutional activities.

A Community in Mourning

Friends and classmates described Vumilu as a promising young student whose death has left a deep void within the university.

Counselling services are expected to be offered to affected students as the institution grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy.

For now, the protests highlight broader concerns about student safety, crisis response, and communication during emergencies—issues that authorities may need to address urgently to restore calm.

As investigations begin, both students and residents await clarity on the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident and assurances that similar tragedies will be prevented in the future.

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Laikipia University Students Block Nyahururu–Nakuru Highway in Protests Over Colleague’s Death