Shooting of two students sparks protests at Multimedia University

There were running battles at Multimedia University for the better part of Tuesday between police and students who had blocked the busy Magadi road in protest of their comrades who were shot and injured on Monday.

Following the Monday protests, two students were left nursing gunshot wounds and were referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment in serious condition, while several others were treated and discharged.

It is reported that the protests erupted over a staff strike and the suspension of examinations, where students accused lecturers of refusing to give them exams while they were ready.

One of the students, Abubakar Fugicha, a third-year finance student who has a live bullet lodged in his oesophagus.

Victor Kariuki, a first-year journalism student, is also admitted with a bullet lodged in his spinal cord.

"I was trying to get away when I felt something hit my back. I fell to the ground immediately, and there was blood coming out. I couldn't move, and people had to carry me to safety," Kariuki shared 

According to the students, police officers in plainclothes suspected of being from Hardy stormed into the university compound and started shooting aimlessly.

The students' leadership raised concerns over what they described as poor administration and governance challenges within the institution, failing to address long-standing concerns affecting the institution.

"Students have continuously raised concerns about governance issues and the apparent disagreements between the University  Council and the Vice-Chancellor's office. These issues are now directly affecting learning and the welfare of students," said Malcom Descartes Odhiambo, the university president 

Now, the students have vowed not to sit for examinations until their grievances are addressed, normal learning resumes, and justice is served for the two injured students.

"We will not return to exams until our concerns are heard and the students who were shot receive justice,"  one student said.

University management and police had not issued comprehensive statements on the allegations by the time of publication.

The incident has renewed debate over the use of force during student demonstrations and the handling of unrest within institutions of higher learning.