The National Police Service is on the spot following reports of excessive force during student protests at Multimedia University of Kenya in Nairobi, an incident that has left several students injured and prompted investigations by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
The protests, which took place on Monday afternoon, reportedly turned chaotic after plain-clothed police officers entered the university grounds carrying rifles, pistols, and tear gas. Students say the officers pursued protesters into hostels and other areas where they had sought refuge.
Videos recorded during the operation and later shared online appear to show officers firing weapons within the university compound. Some clips also show armed officers confronting students as the situation escalated.
According to reports, four students sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation. The injured students have been identified as Abubakar Fugicha, Victor Kariuki, Evans Mugambi, and Darren Sidandi.
The injuries reportedly affected different parts of their bodies, including the neck, head, and back.
Victor Kariuki, who is currently receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital, said he was shot while police officers were aiming at students during the unrest.
“There were civilian police officers carrying pistols while those in uniform had AK-47 rifles. The officers with pistols were aiming directly at us, and that is when I was hit,” he said.
Another student described a frightening encounter, saying Kariuki had been standing directly in front of him when the shooting occurred.
“Kariuki, the student who was shot in the back, was right in front of me. If the bullet had missed him, it would have hit me. I managed to run back to the hostel, but one of the officers later came to the balcony and tried to aim at where we were hiding,” the student claimed.
A third student alleged that police officers discussed among themselves who had fired the shots. The student claimed that one officer identified the shooter by name and referenced the bullet used during the incident.
Medical reports indicate that Abubakar Fugicha will continue living with a bullet lodged in his neck because doctors believe removing it would pose a serious risk to his life. Meanwhile, Kariuki is expected to undergo surgery to remove a bullet that remains lodged in his body.
“The specialist handling arteries and nerves says the bullet is being held by tissues and has not reached the spinal cord. I am waiting for the doctor today,” Kariuki said from his hospital bed.
Student leaders have raised concerns about the presence of armed plain-clothed officers on campus and questioned who authorized their entry. Student leader Tamara Wachira said students deserve answers regarding the operation and the circumstances that led to officers opening fire.
Human rights activists have also condemned the incident, accusing police of using unnecessary force against young people. Vocal Afrika activist Khalid Hussein said the injuries suffered by students reflect a wider concern about police conduct during demonstrations.
IPOA has confirmed that it has launched investigations into the shooting. The authority is expected to examine the actions of the officers involved and determine whether proper procedures were followed.
The latest incident has also renewed attention on a similar case reported at Multimedia University last year, which remains unresolved.
