On October 8, 2024, police and students clashed at Bungoma National Polytechnic during an on-campus protest.

The students were demanding the immediate dismissal of the university’s principal over allegations of embezzlement of funds and mismanagement of property. The protest, which reportedly began peacefully, turned violent when police officers attempted to disperse the demonstrators. Officers fired several tear gas canisters at the students.

Despite the police response, the students continued to protest. Amid the chaos, a police officer reportedly shot a student, who later died from her injuries.

The following day, the Ministry of Education ordered the indefinite closure of the university. The university reopened on January 6, 2025.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a protest. SAR offers condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased student. While state authorities have a responsibility to maintain order and security, they also have an obligation to ensure that their actions are proportionate to the situation. In addition to the harm to the immediate victim, violence during protests undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally..

Sources:
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/105147-bungoma-national-polytechnic-student-allegedly-killed-police-clash-protesting-learners
https://stage.thekenyatimes.com/latest-kenya-times-news/student-dies-following-violent-clash-with-police/
https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/105179-ministry-education-orders-indefinite-closure-bungoma-polytechnic-after-deadly-protests