A student at Bungoma National Polytechnic died on October 8 following a clash between students and police.
In a video seen by the Kenya Times, students from Bungoma Polytechnic were seen holding the body of the student, who was lying helplessly on the ground.
Reports indicate that the student, identified as Salome Makanda, allegedly succumbed to a gunshot wound inflicted by a police officer.
The body of the deceased was taken to the Bungoma County Government Referral Hospital to ascertain what caused her death.
Bungoma National Polytechnic students demonstrate over mismanagement
According to a social media user by the name of Achola Mathews, students’ demonstrations began on Monday, October 7.
Students were demanding the transfer of the institution’s Principal Rosebella Chukwu.
The user further attributed the student demonstration to harassment of students through arrests by police officers while they air out any complaints to the Management.
Also Read: University Suspends All Third-Year Students After Protests
Additionally, the students staged protests due to claims that the administration was selling school properties, transferring two Deputy Principals to other institutions (which allegedly demoted them to Classroom Trainers), and dismissing various long-serving staff members.
As such, the Bungoma National Polytechnic students want the principal to be transferred.
It is reported that the Bungoma police were forced to whisk away the Chief Principal to safety after students went on a rampage to demand justice for their slain fellow student.
Didmus Barsa condemns the alleged shooting of a student
Meanwhile, Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa condemned the alleged shooting of the student and called for speedy investigations into the matter.
“I unequivocally condemn the tragic shooting of Salome Makanda, a student at Bungoma National Polytechnic.”
“This reprehensible act demands immediate attention. I urge the authorities to take prompt action to ensure justice for the student and to apprehend the perpetrators,” Barasa condemned.
Also Read: Protests as 15-Year-Old Boy is Shot Dead at Entertainment Joint
“Our security institutions are meant to provide a safe environment for students, and this incident is profoundly distressing,” Barasa added.
Furthermore, the Kimilili MP promised to help the deceased family to get justice.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the friends and family of Makanda during this profoundly upsetting time.
I am committed to closely monitoring this issue and ensuring that justice is served,” the Kimilili legislator pledged.
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