Many questions have been raised over the increased cases of student murders in universities and colleges across the country.
The most recent case is that of Tabitha Muthoni, a first year student who was studying Development Studies at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) main campus.
Muthoni is reported to have been stabbed to death on Thursday at around 7pm after she was attacked by thugs as she took a walk with her friend near the Seagull Hotel in Juja town.
If thugs can attack students as early as 7pm then it is evident that Juja town is unsafe at night for JKUAT students and residents who reside in the area. I appeal to the government to take security matters in that area into consideration in order to prevent loss of lives through such heinous acts.
On Friday, JKUAT students held demonstrations to protest against the murder of comrades, demanding for more street lights and enough security officers within Juja and its environs. The government should intervene by providing the students' demands as they are necessary for boosting security in the area.
It hurts when parents and relatives at home receive the sad news that their son, daughter, sister or brother has been killed by thugs under unclear circumstances.
Muthoni's case is not the only case involving the murder of a student, there are others such as the case of Denis Munene from the University of Nairobi who was found dead in one of the beaches in Mombasa, Cynthia Chelagat of Egerton University who was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend, Evans Njoroge who shot dead at Meru University during demonstrations to protest against high tution fees, just to mention but a few.
Protests may occur and the anti-riot police may be deployed to calm the situation but students will continue dying if the relevant authorities do not take proper action to avert such cases. Therefore, I urge students to ensure they remain vigilant especially at night and avoid putting the full responsibility on the relevant authorities.
For instance, students should ensure they don't walk alone at night but in groups to avoid being targeted by thugs. Also, avoid as much as possible carrying your laptops, smartphones and other expensive electronic devices when not within the campus. It is also important to exercise vigilance even in the hostels, by locking your valuables in a secure place.
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