Laikipia County Senator John Kinyua has called on the Senate Standing Committees on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations, and Labour and Social Welfare to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic fatal shooting of a Laikipia University student.
The incident, which occurred during a protest over the death of another student, has raised serious concerns over police conduct and the handling of student demonstrations.
On March 20, 2026, Hillary Vulimu, a first-year Bachelor of Communication and Media student, tragically lost his life after being struck by a rock while on a hiking excursion at Subukia Viewpoint in Nyandarua County.
In response to his death, students at Laikipia University organized protests on March 21, blocking parts of the Nyahururu Nakuru Highway to demand justice and accountability.
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However, the protests quickly escalated when police arrived to disperse the crowds. The situation turned violent, culminating in the fatal shooting of one student and injuries to six others, all from gunshot wounds.
The police response has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the proportionality of force used and whether proper crowd control procedures were followed.
Senator Kinyua has expressed deep concern over the excessive force used by the police and emphasized the need for an urgent review of operational procedures for handling student protests.
He called for reforms that would prevent further loss of life and ensure accountability and transparency in such incidents.
In addition to demanding clarity on the fatal shooting and the injuries sustained by the students, Senator Kinyua has also called for immediate steps to support the victims and their families, including ensuring they receive justice, compensation, and assistance during this difficult time.
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The father of the deceased student, Dismus Omuko, has publicly demanded justice, stating that his son was shot in the chest by the police.
He called on authorities to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and hold the responsible officers accountable.
The violence also left 16 police officers injured and resulted in the vandalization of two police vehicles. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation into the incident, and Laikipia University has been temporarily closed as a result of the unrest.
By Obegi Malack
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