Massive Protests Erupt on Thika Road as Kenyatta University Students Shut Down Highway Over Power Outage!

Protests erupted near Kenyatta University in the Kahawa area on Thika Road, bringing transport activities to a standstill.

Footage shared by Wamuzinews.co.ke shows heavy traffic as students blocked the highway with large rocks and lit fires.

The demonstrators cited a week-long power outage in the KM area, a popular student residential zone, as the cause of the unrest. They issued an ultimatum demanding immediate restoration of electricity.

“We’ve been without power for a week, and this has caused immense challenges. If electricity isn’t restored within 30 minutes, we’ll shut down Thika Road completely,” declared Glen Karani, KU’s student leader.

Karani explained that despite contacting relevant officials, including submitting formal complaints to the regional manager, no progress has been made.

“They’re trying to relocate our transformer without solving the issue, and we won’t allow that,” Karani stated.

The outage has reportedly led to security concerns and significant financial losses for campus-based businesses. Students also expressed frustration with unmet promises from local leaders to address the issue.

Karani warned that this protest is just the beginning, with plans to hold another demonstration next week against the government’s controversial university funding model.

“This is just the start. Next week, we’ll block Thika Road again to oppose the new funding model. We’re determined to ensure our concerns are heard,” he added.

As of now, police are yet to respond to the scene, while motorists and commuters voiced their frustration over the gridlock caused by the protests.

The unrest at Kenyatta University comes shortly after the Kenya University Students Association (KUSA), led by Teddy Omin Osano, announced plans for nationwide demonstrations. These protests aim to address issues such as lecturer salary delays and student safety following recent abductions.

“Revolution is the voice of the unheard. Once universities reopen, we’ll launch demonstrations across the country to demand action,” declared Osano.