Angry students of St Paul’s Diploma Teachers Training College in Bumula Constituency, Bungoma County, took to the streets to protest the killing of a third-year student at the institution by unknown assailants.
The irate students say the body of their colleague was discovered along the railway line, a few meters from the main college on Sunday night.
Martin Ambani, a student of Geography and Kiswahili was expected to graduate this year 2021 after the completion of his Diploma course.
The students blocked vehicles at Kimaeti along Bungoma-Malaba Highway for almost one hour and appealed to Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang’i, to intervene and find a lasting solution to high incidents of insecurity rocking the area, particularly involving student’s fraternity.
St Paul’s Diploma Teachers Training College was previously located in Kibabii area in Kanduyi Constituency before it was relocated to Syombe in Bumula Constituency with Mr Saul Barasa heading the institution.
The students led by Patrick Kemei, blamed Bungoma security team for laxity and failure to beef up security around the College.
“This is not the first student to be murdered in such unclear circumstances, if this situation is not going to be addressed then this college should be closed down,” they stated.
Patrick Kemei, also a third-year student said villagers have been sneaking into the institution at night and stealing students’ linen, phones and other personal effects.
“Since we were relocated to Syombe, insecurity and theft cases have been on the rise in our institution, I appeal to relevant authorities to make sure that we are safe while here,’’ he said.
Bungoma County Police Commander, Dr Mutungi Mutiso, confirmed the incident and asked students to remain calm as railway police investigate the brutal act.
“I appeal to relatives and students to remain calm, demonstrations will not add value, we have lost a life and let the investigations be completed so that justice can be dispensed,’’ appealed the County Commander.
The School Principal, Saul Barasa, declined to comment on the matter, saying that it was under probe by police officers.
By Roseland Lumwamu
