NAKURU, Kenya — Six families in Nakuru and Laikipia counties are demanding justice following a deadly confrontation between police and students from Laikipia University that left one student dead and five others nursing gunshot wounds.
The deceased, identified as Ian Mtai, a 19-year-old first-year Bachelor of Education (Science) student, was shot during protests on Monday.
The demonstrations erupted after students accused the university administration of negligence in handling an earlier incident where a student was injured during a hiking expedition at Subukia Falls.
The unrest disrupted business along the Nyahururu–Nakuru road for hours as students engaged police in running battles.
Witnesses said officers deployed to contain the protests used live ammunition, allegations that have now triggered investigations.
A post-mortem conducted at Nyahururu County Referral Hospital confirmed that Mtai died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Government pathologist Wangari Wambugu said the bullet pierced vital organs, including the heart, aorta, and pulmonary artery, causing massive internal bleeding.
“He had a single gunshot wound to the chest… there was a lot of internal bleeding,” she said.
Mtai’s family, who travelled from Trans Nzoia County, has called for accountability. His father, Dennis Mtai, urged authorities to establish who was responsible for the shooting and why lethal force was used.
“We want the school and the authorities to find out who killed this student and why,” he said.
Five other students sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation. Some, including Alex Musyoka, are receiving treatment at Nakuru County Referral Hospital, while others are admitted at Ol-Jabet Hospital.
Families of the injured have also demanded justice, saying the victims were unarmed.
Police, however, reported that 16 officers were injured during the clashes and that two police vehicles were vandalised after the protests turned violent.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the incident, focusing on the circumstances under which force was used.
The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether police actions complied with constitutional standards on use of force and public order management.
Following the unrest, Laikipia University has been closed indefinitely as authorities move to restore calm.
As investigations continue, families of the victims say justice will be critical not only for those affected but also in restoring public trust in law enforcement and governance systems.
