Traffic was disrupted along the busy Meru – Nairobi highway on Monday October 28, after irate students from Chuka university staged protests over increased cases of road accidents near the institution.
The students peacefully marched to the highway, while others occupied police vehicles, chanting that they have no problem with the police and that all they wanted was justice for their colleague.
It is reported that students took to the streets to protest the death of their colleague who died at the scene. The victim was among three female comrades who were hit by a speeding vehicle on the Meru-Nairobi Highway.
The protest also sought to raise awareness about road safety.
Chuka University Students strike due to increased road accidents
Earlier, the University Student leadership issued a notice urging all the students to blockade the highway.
“ This is to bring to your attention that Chuka University has lost a comrade in a tragic accident along the Meru-Nairobi Highway. We have continuously voiced our grievances to the County Government and KENHA for proper safety measures: bumps, barricades, and zebra crossings to protect our lives. But despite countless appeals and reminders, our calls for safety remain ignored.
This is not the first time a comrade has died in an accident; we are sick and tired of this disregard.
Also Read: University Suspends All Third Year Students After Protests
How many more lives are to be taken before they come into action? This time, we are not just mourning, we are taking action. On 28th October 2024, at 7 am, we will gather at Gate A, unified and resolute, to demand justice and a safe highway,” part of the notice read.
Past accidents along Nairobi Meru Road
Numerous accidents have occurred along the Nairobi-Meru Highway, which have been attributed to the government’s failure to implement safety measures such as speed bumps, barricades, and zebra crossings.
On Saturday, August 31 twelve people were killed in a grisly road accident after a 10 seater van and a pickup truck collided head-on at Nithi Bridge along the Meru-Nairobi road during the night.
Also Read: Moi University Students Forced to Live in Dirty Hostels as Staff Boycotts Work
The van which was in transit to Nairobi collided with the Meru-bound pickup at around 9:00 p.m.
Similarly, On Sunday, April 2024 Four people succumbed after a bus rolled at the Nithi Bridge black spot along the Meru-Nairobi highway.
The bus coming from the Maua area in Meru County had 39 passengers onboard when it allegedly developed brake failure
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