- A student was shot dead by police during a protest over poor infrastructure in Nyamira.
- Outraged demonstrators burn down the Itibo Police Station in retaliation.
- Details regarding the student’s identity and the officer involved remain unclear.
- The incident adds to growing tension over police brutality in Kenya.
- Security has been beefed up, and local leaders are calling for calm and a transparent investigation.
Tension gripped Nyamira County on Tuesday after a student from Nyamira National Polytechnic was reportedly shot dead by a police officer during a peaceful protest, triggering a violent backlash that saw Itibo Police Station set ablaze.
The protest, staged at Itibo Market, was sparked by frustrations over run-down roads and a lack of street lighting. However, what began as a demonstration quickly spiralled out of control after a police officer allegedly fired into the crowd, fatally injuring one of the students.
News of the shooting spread rapidly, angering residents and fellow students who responded by storming the Itibo Police Station. The crowd, overwhelmed with rage, torched the facility. Images of the police post engulfed in flames circulated widely online, showing the scale of destruction. The full value of the damaged property is yet to be assessed.
By Tuesday night, the identity of the slain student remained unconfirmed, and the police had not released an official statement. There was also no word on arrests or disciplinary measures against the officer allegedly responsible for the shooting.
This silence has only fueled more tension, with many demanding immediate accountability.
The Itibo incident is the latest in a disturbing pattern of public violence directed at police stations following controversial police killings.
On June 27, angry residents razed the Ndunyu Njeru Police Station in Nyandarua after a local man was killed during a protest against cattle theft. Similarly, on July 3, mourners in Homabay torched Mawego Police Station while escorting the body of Albert Ojwang, who died under unclear circumstances in police custody.
These repeated clashes have put the Kenya Police Service under harsh scrutiny, with civil society groups calling for independent investigations and urgent reforms to address excessive use of force during public demonstrations.
In response to the violence, security has been intensified across Nyamira and nearby towns to contain the unrest and prevent further destruction. Local leaders have appealed for calm and restraint, urging the government to investigate the incident transparently and ensure justice for the victim’s family.
This tragedy once again raises urgent questions about police accountability and citizen trust in law enforcement.
