‘Mysterious’ killing of Samuel Ragira draws fury, criticism

A human rights group and the Vice Chancellor at the University of Nairobi have condemned the killing of Samuel Ragira, a former student at the institution.

Ragira famously known as OCS, was shot dead by unknown men at Klabuu 36 Market on Thursday evening.

“The NCHRD-K is concerned with the recent killing of students by unknown people within the Campus and outside. Ragira is the fifth student in a span of two and a half months who have been killed and their stories highlighted by student leaders and the media” the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Kenya said on Friday.

In a statement to newsrooms, the human rights group noted that the deceased had earlier warned the university students about a group of armed ‘goons’ he claimed were planning to take over Klabuu 36 market.

The market has several stalls where students buy food from.

Reports further indicate that on Wednesday March 13, Ragira also raised concerns that students were reportedly being robbed of their valuables at the same area.

However, the alleged Facebook post that warned about the ‘goons’ is no longer available.

University of Nairobi VC Peter Mbithi on Friday echoed the sentiments of the human rights organisation and called for thorough investigations.

“We regret the mysterious circumstances surrounding the brutal murder of former UoN student Mr. Samwel Rigera last (Thursday) evening. The authorities should investigate and bring to book the perpetrators of this violence on young Kenyans,” he said.

The VC further urged police to intensify security patrols around the university for the students and the surrounding community.

University of Nairobi students took to the streets on Thursday to protest the killing of Ragira and accused police of lying about the incident by saying that he had been killed by a mob.