Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) students have taken to the streets, blocking a section of Thika Road in Juja, to protest the death of their fellow student, Denzel Omondi.
Eyewitness accounts and social media posts show the students marching in large numbers along the major highway, chanting, blowing whistles, and using vuvuzelas.
The demonstrations caused significant traffic disruption, with vehicles left stuck along the Thika Road Highway as the students have blocked off large sections of the road.
The protests stemmed from the abduction and subsequent discovery of Denzel Omondi’s body, which was found dumped in a nearby quarry within the Juja area.
In response, the JKUAT students’ association, JKUSA, issued a letter urging the student body to assemble for demonstrations on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Contents of the JKUAT students’ Association Letter
The letter, signed by the JKUSA Chairperson, called for a gathering at the JKUAT Main Gate at 9:00 a.m. to demand justice for Denzel Omondi, who had participated in recent anti-government protests.
Also Read: Family of JKUAT Student Whose Body Was Dumped in Quarry Rejects Autopsy Results
“This assembly is in response to the grievous and unsettling abduction of our fellow student, Denzel Onyango, amidst his brave participation in the Gen Z revolution.”
“His unwavering commitment to the fight for justice must not be in vain,” read a statement from the association.
Also, the association stated that the demonstrations are aimed at highlighting the need for justice and accountability for their fallen comrade.
JKUSA Asks Students to Participate in Honour of Denzel Omondi
Additionally, JKUSA urged students to turn up for the protests in large numbers, noting that their presence was paramount to the cause.
“Your presence is paramount. The magnitude of our collective voice can only be realized through your active participation. Let us stand together in defiance of injustice and in support of our comrade.”
Also Read: Autopsy Report Reveals What Killed JKUAT Student Found Dumped in Quarry
“We urge you to join us in this critical endeavor, to march with conviction and to amplify our call for justice.”
Furthermore, the letter suspended all school activities to ensure effective participation in the protests.
“In the same accord with powers vested in me by the JKUSA reviewed constitution 2022 I hereby suspend all school activities for effective participation in the demonstrations.”
Denzel’s Family Rejects the Autopsy Report
Denzel’s family in a statement disputed and rejected the autopsy results which claimed that their son had died by drowning.
Denzel’s father, James Otieno, while speaking to the media said that he was not satisfied with the report as he had spoken to his son just hours before he disappeared on June 27.
“We want the investigative agencies to unravel and tell us what really caused this, because I spoke to this boy three hours before he went missing and he was in a good mood, he never indicated that there was something wrong,” added Denzel’s father.
“We need to have the truth why did he die? what caused the death that’s what we need to know, we won’t rest until those facts have been declared to us.”
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