First year student dies after reportedly being hit by police car

Students of Kabarak University on Sunday took to the streets to express their disaffection after a student died in an accident involving a police van.

Police and students have identified the deceased as Joshua Plimo, a first year student of Pharmacy at the Kabarak University.

The matter was recorded at the Menengai Police Station under OB no. 02/19/11/2023.

According to witnesses, the driver of the vehicle, said to be a police van, bearing government registration plates, lost control after missing a bump before hitting the student.

The accident occurred along the Nakuru-Ravine highway at around 9pm on Saturday.

The student was rushed to the school’s sanatorium where he was pronounced dead a few minutes after arrival.

“The student tried to avoid being hit by the speeding vehicle but it was too late. The vehicle hit him hard,” said a witness.

The driver is said to have sped off from the scene of the accident.

Police officers from Mang’u Police station led by the OCPD arrived at the scene of the accident – and promised to investigate the matter.

The OCPD also thanked the students for maintaining peace, and went ahead to confirm that the alleged vehicle had been detained – and that investigations were ongoing.

In a statement issued by the Kabarak University Students Organization (KUSO), the students’ leader expressed her deepest condolences to the family on behalf of the students adding that they shall not let the matter be swept under the rug.

“We strongly condemn this reckless act and are deeply concerned about the apparent negligence that led to such a tragic loss. The issue is being followed up at Menengai Police Station under OB no. 02/19/11/2023. The safety of our students is of utmost importance, and we will not rest until justice is served for our fallen brother and friend,” read the KUSO statement in part. 

According to the student body, the university will give a comprehensive statement after a postmortem has been done. 

The body of the student was to the Nakuru level 5 hospital Mortuary.