Anger on the Highway: Laikipia University Students Block Nakuru–Nyeri Road After Comrade’s Death

Students from Laikipia University on Saturday staged protests and blocked the busy Nakuru–Nyeri highway, demanding urgent reforms to the institution’s emergency and health services following the death of a fellow student.

The protests were sparked by the tragic passing of Hillary Vumilu, a first-year Media and Communication student, who died after sustaining injuries during a hiking trip at Subukia View Point Waterfalls.

According to students, Vumilu was struck by a falling rock while hiking with colleagues at the popular viewpoint. They allege that delays in accessing emergency medical services contributed significantly to his death, accusing the university administration of failing to provide timely and adequate response.

In reaction, hundreds of students—commonly referred to as comrades—took to the streets, lighting bonfires and barricading sections of the Nakuru–Nyeri highway, causing major traffic disruptions. The demonstrators called on the university management to overhaul its emergency response systems and ensure the availability of reliable health services on campus.

“We have lost one of our own due to negligence. The university must take responsibility and fix the health system immediately,” one protesting student said.

The students further demanded accountability from the administration, insisting that no learner should lose their life due to delays in medical attention.

Authorities had not issued an official statement at the time of publication, but security personnel were deployed to the scene to restore order and reopen the highway.

The incident has raised broader concerns about student safety during off-campus activities and the preparedness of institutions to handle medical emergencies.

As tensions remain high, students have vowed to continue protests until concrete measures are taken, turning the spotlight on the urgent need for improved emergency services in Kenyan universities.