Meru University students staged demonstrations on Tuesday, blocking the Meru–Maua highway to protest rising insecurity around their campus. The unrest highlighted ongoing frustrations over frequent night attacks, robberies, and a lack of street lighting in residential areas near the institution.
Why did Meru University students take to the streets?
The protests were organized by the Student Association of Meru University (SAMU). In a statement issued Monday, the student leaders accused authorities of neglecting their safety. “The SAMU has been deeply concerned about the escalating insecurity around our university environs, largely caused by the lack of streetlights and insufficient security measures. This situation has put many of our students at risk, especially during evening movements,” read the letter signed by Secretary General Cosmas Emerkwa and President Teddy Samuel.
The students claimed their appeals to county and national security officials had gone unanswered, forcing them to take collective action. During the demonstrations, they lit bonfires on the highway and clashed with police, who responded with teargas canisters after stones were hurled at officers.
What insecurity issues sparked the protests?
Students reported increasing cases of muggings, stabbings, and violent assaults as they commuted to and from their hostels at night. Many pointed to the Mascan area as a hotspot for gang activity, where students have been repeatedly targeted and robbed.
This week’s protest is not the first security-related demonstration at Meru University. On January 28, 2025, students also marched after a visiting Technical University of Mombasa student was stabbed to death in the area. The incident further fueled anger over the lack of consistent security measures despite previous outcries.
By Lucky Anyanje
