IPOA begins probe into killing of Meru University student leader

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority on Wednesday commenced investigations into an incident where a police officer allegedly shot and killed a student leader at the Meru University of Science and Technology.

Evans Njoroge, who was the secretary-general of the student union, was fatally shot as he led his fellow students in a protest against high school fees and poor learning conditions at the institution on Tuesday, February 27 at Nchiru in Tigania West.

“IPOA this morning dispatched its Rapid Response Unit to investigate the incident with a view of establishing circumstances of the shooting and if culpability will be established, ensuring the officer responsible faces the full force of the law,” read the IPOA statement.

The students accused the Vice Chancellor, Japheth Magambo, of failing to deliver on his promises. They also bemoaned the school’s infrastructure which they said is under developed compared to other institutions in the area.

Last year in August, the institution was closed indefinitely after the students went on a rampage protesting over poor infrastructure. The varsity was reopened in January 2018 but three weeks  later the students sent home after staging another demonstration.

They were set to resume learning in two weeks time, before yesterday’s protest that left the student leader dead.

Angry students had blocked the Igembe – Maua road by burning tyres and erecting barricades forcing police to engage and this resulted in the death of Mr. Njoroge.

The protests turned violent after the police arrived and started engaging the students in running battles. Police were accused of using live bullets to deal with the marauding students.