Students from the Eldoret National Polytechnic on Wednesday staged a protest outside the Langas Police Station in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County, demanding swift justice for their murdered colleague, Ronald Odwar Atima.
The emotionally charged demonstration followed the discovery of Ronald’s lifeless body in Cherunya, a neighborhood approximately two kilometers from the institution.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but early reports suggest foul play, sparking outrage among students and the local community.
Ronald, a second-year student pursuing Electrical Engineering, was last seen by his classmates two days before his body was found in a thicket, bearing visible signs of violence.
According to friends, he had left campus for an errand and never returned. His phone went off later that evening, prompting concern among peers who reported him missing to the school administration.
“This is not the first time a student has been harmed outside school. We are tired of living in fear. Today it’s Ronald, tomorrow it could be anyone of us,” shouted one protester during the demonstration.
The students accused police of laxity in addressing rising insecurity around the Cherunya and Langas areas, which are known to harbor criminal gangs.
They also claimed that several past complaints had gone unaddressed, calling for a complete overhaul of local security operations.
“We demand immediate investigations and arrests. The police must protect the lives of students and the community at large. Ronald’s blood cannot go in vain,” declared the student leader.
Langas OCPD, while addressing the protesters, assured them that investigations had already begun and that detectives were pursuing leads.
“We are treating this case with the seriousness it deserves. We appeal to anyone with information to come forward,” he said.
Uasin Gishu County leaders, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, have condemned the murder and promised to push for increased police patrols around local institutions.
The management of Eldoret National Polytechnic also urged students to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation continues, Ronald Odwar’s family is preparing for his burial, struggling to come to terms with the tragic loss of their 22-year-old son.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled to be held at the institution this weekend in his memory.
By Kenyans