Chaos as Meru University students protest rising insecurity

Meru University students on Tuesday staged demonstrations and blocked the Meru–Maua highway, protesting against rising insecurity and lack of street lights in residential areas near the institution.

The students also complained of frequent cases of attacks, muggings, assaults, and stabbing incidents at night while heading to their accommodations.

Police were forced to lob teargas canisters to disperse the students after they lit bonfires on the road and hurled stones at the officers.

The protest, organized by the Student Association of Meru University (SAMU), reflects growing frustration insecurities affecting students. In a letter issued on Monday, SAMU informed the students about the planned demonstration.

“The SAMU has been deeply concerned about the escalating insecurity around our university environs, largely caused by the lack of streetlights and insufficient security measures. This situation has put many of our students at risk, especially during evening movements,” read the letter signed by the association Secretary General Cosmas Emerkwa and President Teddy Samuel.

“After several attempts to engage the relevant authorities, with no meaningful action taken, we have resolved to organize a peaceful demonstration to demand urgent intervention.”

This is not the first time the students have protested over security concerns.

On January 28, 2025, the students took to the streets after a Technical University of Mombasa student who was visiting his girlfriend was stabbed to death in Meru, expressing frustration over insecurity.

They reported that the insecurity was ubiquitous in the Mascan area, where the gangs had targeted and robbed students.