One shot dead as Nyamira Polytechnic students set ablaze Itibo police post

By Davin Nyaboke 

Tensions are high in Itibo, Nyamira County, after a student was allegedly shot dead by police officers, sparking violent protests that culminated in the burning of the local police station.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when officers attempted to disperse a group of youths who had gathered near the town centre. 

Reports indicate the student, identified as 19-year-old Brian Mose was shot in the abdomen during the confrontation.

“He was not armed. He was just standing there watching when the police started firing bullets,” said Jane Kerubo, an eyewitness.

She said; “People got angry when they saw him fall. That’s when things turned chaotic.”

Following news of Mose’s death, enraged residents took to the streets, barricading roads and pelting the police station with stones.

By midnight, protesters had set the Itibo Police Station ablaze, destroying property and records. Firefighters from Nyamira town arrived hours later, but much of the station had already been reduced to rubble.

A police report indicates that security agecnies tried to stop the students from torching the patrol base.

"They were dispersed but later advanced to the patrol base and set it on fire including the report office. They further destroyed the rental houses used by the police plus personal belongings to the police." 

Local leaders have condemned the violence but have also demanded justice for the slain student. “The youth are frustrated because of the use of excessive force by police. We want an independent probe into this killing,” said area MCA Peter Nyang’au.

Meanwhile, calm has slowly returned to Itibo, though tension remains high. Heavy police presence was observed on major roads leading into the town as authorities worked to prevent further violence.

Brian Mose’s family is calling for justice, describing him as a bright and humble student who dreamed of joining university next year.

“My son has died for nothing. We want those responsible punished,” said his father, Samuel Mose, fighting back tears.

Sub County Police Commander Elizabeth Wakuloba, the Sub County Criminal Investigations Officer and the OCS Bonyunyu have camped the area as investigations get underway.