Nairobi road students protest classmate's death in suspected gang clash

A cloud of mystery hangs over the tragic death of a Form Four student from Nairobi Road Secondary School in Nakuru, following conflicting reports surrounding the events that led to his demise.

According to some of his peers, the student was attacked by a group of boys from a rival school. It is alleged that during the confrontation, he was struck with a steel rod.

In an attempt to flee from the attackers, he reportedly ran into the road where he was fatally hit by a speeding vehicle.

Eyewitness accounts from students paint a chilling picture of a planned confrontation between learners from two institutions.

 “He was trying to escape after being hit. He crossed the road in panic, and that's when the car hit him,” says a student who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.

However, the school management has issued a different version of events. In an interview with board member Geoffrey Hinga, the administration denied knowledge of any student altercation.

Hinga noted that the boy was a victim of a tragic hit-and-run accident and dismissed claims of inter-school conflict.

“As a school, we are saddened by the loss of one of our own. But we wish to clarify that there was no reported fight or confrontation involving our students. We trust the police will conduct thorough investigations into the accident,” states Hinga.

The conflicting accounts have sparked concern among students, with many calling for transparency and a swift investigation to uncover the truth.

Tensions escalated following the incident, with students accusing the school of inaction. On Monday, more than 200 students walked from Mzee Wanyama towards the Nakuru-Nairobi highway in protest, saying that since Friday, July 25, when their fellow student died, little had been done by the school administration to pursue justice.

 Their march was intercepted by police at Kiondo, as the students were reportedly heading toward the rival school, which they blamed for the deadly confrontation.

Speaking on the matter, Nakuru East Sub-County Police Commander Samson Adanje urged students to remain calm and allow the police to handle the matter.

“Investigations are underway and we hope the results will come out. Let the students be patient for the police to follow the case, and the perpetrator will be brought to court,” says Adanje.

When Mtaa Wangu visited the home of the deceased student, neighbors expressed deep sorrow, noting that the family was still reeling from the shock.

As such, Mtaa Wangu could not get a comment from the mother who was overwhelmed with emotions.

"The boy died in hospital on Saturday as he was receiving treatment. Now the family is grieving a child, and they do not understand the events that led to his death," says one of the neighbors.