Protesters rush a police station in a call for justice over the slaying of a fellow student
In the heart of Uasin Gishu County, the tragic death of Ronald Odwar Atima, a civil engineering student at Eldoret National Polytechnic, has sparked outrage and protests among students and community members. Atima was found dead in Cherunya, approximately 2 kilometers from the institution, on Sunday night, sustaining an injury to his head in an attack that has left many questioning the safety of the area.
The investigation into Atima's death is currently being handled by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Langas Police Station, with the body at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary. The DCI officer for the area, Daniel Muleli, expects updates regarding the case soon and will communicate any information promptly.
However, the ongoing investigation appears to be the primary response to the murder, while students continue to advocate for heightened police presence and improved security around campus and in surrounding residential areas, such as Cherunya. Student leaders, including Julet Mokeira and Meresha Akoth, have publicly accused the police of laxity, citing escalating insecurity in Langas.
These accusations come amidst a recognized crisis of insecurity near Langas Police Station and Cherunya, with frequent violent crimes targeting students. Incidents of violence directed at students and even lecturers have persisted without any significant intervention from the police, according to student leaders.
In response to the growing concerns, the police seem to focus more on hunting down illicit brewers instead of patrolling the area, according to student leaders. This has led to escalating calls for action, with students protesting at the Langas Police Station in Kapseret to demand justice for Atima's murder.
Eldoret National Polytechnic Chief Principal, Charles Koech, has expressed condolences over Atima's death. It is important to note that Atima was an alumnus who had completed his courses last year.
In a bid to address the safety concerns, the institution and students are calling for sustained and effective security interventions. However, as of the latest updates, no confirmed new safety measures have been publicly announced. The DCI, on the other hand, has urged students to take personal responsibility for their safety in social settings.
As the investigations into Atima's death continue and community pressure on authorities persists, further updates are likely. The tragic death of Ronald Odwar Atima serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved security in the area, particularly around Eldoret National Polytechnic and the surrounding residential areas.
The tragic death of Ronald Odwar Atima, a former student at Eldoret National Polytechnic, has sparked discussions about the need for improved security in the area, specifically around the institution and surrounding residential areas like Cherunya. Student leaders, such as Julet Mokeira and Meresha Akoth, have criticized the police for their perceived laxity in addressing the escalating insecurity in Langas, as the focus seems to be more on hunting down illicit brewers rather than maintaining security. Meanwhile, the DCI has urged students to take personal responsibility for their safety in social settings. The ongoing investigation into Atima's death, handled by the DCI and Langas Police Station, is expected to provide updates soon, but concerns about safety measure implementation remain unaddressed in the epaper coverage of general news, education-and-self-development, crime-and-justice, and politics.
