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Varsity students in Kwale protest over insecurity

Chrispine Odhiambo, a student of Kwale campus, addressing the press outside on Wednesday. (Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The students also expressed dissatisfaction with the response to previous security incidents, alleging that their reports were not adequately addressed.

Students of the Technical University of Mombasa, Kwale campus, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against increased insecurity in the area, following a recent attack on one of their fellow students.

The incident occurred last Friday when a group of four students, Chrispine Odhiambo, Rose Omolo, Josiah Maina, and James Mutua, were riding a motorbike from Kona Musa to Mabokoni, where the campus is located.

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They said they were stopped by a gang armed with machetes and other weapons near Kona ya Shamu, just before a bump on the road. The students were forced to flee for their lives, with three sustaining minor injuries and Rose Omollo critically injured after being stabbed in the head and stoned.

Speaking to the press outside the campus gate in Mabokoni, Odhiambo recounted the terrifying ordeal and emphasized the urgent need for improved security measures. The students demanded immediate action from the government to complete the construction of the Kona Musa Mabokoni road, clear bushes along the route, and install street lights for enhanced safety.

The students vowed to paralyze their studies and all school activities until their grievances were addressed.

"We are not only advocating for the students but also for the lecturers and supporting staff who come here as early as 6 am. We want security provided in the area to ensure our safety," said Josiah, a student at the campus.

Students outside the Technical University of Mombasa, Kwale campus, on Wednesday. (Mishi Gongo)

The students also expressed dissatisfaction with the response to previous security incidents, alleging that their reports were not adequately addressed.

"We have had cases of students having their laptops and mobile phones snatched by these gangs," said one of the students.

Msambweni OCPD Francis Gachoki assured the students that the police are actively working to apprehend the culprits responsible for the attacks. He acknowledged the recent arrest of seven individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities and highlighted ongoing efforts to address juvenile gangs in the area.

"On Saturday, a student was attacked and had his hand chopped by armed men. He raised an alarm and police who were on patrol managed to arrest seven of the criminals. They have been taken to Kwale Court, where they will take a plea," he said.

He, however, said some cases had not been reported and warned against the spreading of insecurity rumours.

"We have collaborated with police commanders in the region and Boda Boda riders, but no such cases have been reported at Diani police station. After the Friday and Saturday incidents, we decided to have a meeting with all security agencies to strategize on the way forward," said Gachoki.

He emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating criminal activities and affirmed the police's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the region.