Multimedia University student Trevor Mureithi was brutally assaulted by police officers during demos at the institution on Tuesday. [File, Standard]
The Multimedia University student brutally assaulted by police officers on Tuesday during protests is admitted to a hospital in Rongai.
According to his parents, Trevor Mureithi, a first-year student pursuing applied communication, is traumatised from the incident and still recovering from the injuries.
“It is painful. I just look forward to him getting well and going back to school. At the moment, he is traumatised. That has never happened to him. He is a young boy and we hope to get counseling sessions,” said the father.
Mureithi, whose right leg was fractured, was scheduled for surgery at the facility on Wednesday. In a viral video on social media, police officers are seen assaulting Muriithi as he struggles to walk.
The officers are seen forcing him to move and subjecting him to further violence, including kicking. And in what drew wide condemnation from Kenyans, one officer threw a teargas canister next him, detonating and nearly exploding on him.
The officers’ actions have been condemned by both the university management and students. Acting Vice Chancellor Rosebella Maranga termed police access to the institution during the demonstration as unfortunate.
“Normally, they don’t get in. But yesterday (Tuesday), I think in the process of the mix-up of the students, the gates opened and they got in,” said Prof Maranga.
She said a teargas canister, thrown to one of the hostels fell on a bed, starting a small fire that was contained by students and staff. On Wednesday, students staged protests at the institution and called for justice and accountability from the police.
MMU students association chairperson Ronald Cheruiyot said what began as a peaceful demonstration turned into an incident of police brutality.
“As we raised our voices for a cause that matters deeply to us, we were met with an unjust response from police officers who were sworn to protect us,” said Cheruiyot.
He termed Mureithi’s injury a clear violation of his rights and an example of the excessive force used against peaceful protestors. “No one should ever have to fear for their safety while exercising their right to free speech. We cannot allow fear to dictate our actions. We must stand together, united against these injustices,” said Cheruiyot.
The police action is now subject to investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. In a statement, Ipoa said a rapid response team had been dispatched to the university.