By Harun Mugambi
Chuka University students took to the streets today, blocking the Meru-Nairobi Highway in protest of a tragic accident that claimed the life of a fellow student.
Organized by the Chuka University Students Association (CUSA), the demonstration brought traffic to a complete standstill as students demanded urgent road safety measures.
The protest followed a memo released on October 27 by CUSA leaders, calling on all students to participate. The memo, signed by Secretary General James Kariuki and President Evans Muchanga, criticized local authorities for repeatedly ignoring their safety concerns.
“This is not the first time a comrade has died in an accident. Our grievances have been overlooked for too long,” said Kariuki.
In response to the protests, KeNHA workers arrived early to mark zebra crossings. However, students deemed these efforts inadequate.
“We need a permanent solution, not last-minute patches,” one protester stated. Another echoed, “We want a flyover or footbridge.”
Attempts by Vice Chancellor Prof. Henry Mutembei to calm the frustrated students proved futile. Despite assuring them of the government’s commitment to enhancing road safety, his reassurances fell on deaf ears as students remained steadfast in their blockade, expressing distrust in the promises made.
Tensions escalated when police deployed tear gas to disperse the gathered crowd. Undeterred, many students regrouped and marched toward Chuka town, chanting for “justice for comrades.”
Leaders from CUSA, including President Muchanga and Secretary General Kariuki, spearheaded the march, vowing to continue their fight until tangible safety measures are implemented. “We will not rest until we see real change on that road,” Kariuki emphasized passionately.
As of now, neither the university administration nor local authorities have addressed the students’ demands. Meanwhile, social media has erupted with support, with messages of solidarity flooding in from students, alumni, and community members alike.
