A third-year Maseno University student has died after he was allegedly shot by police during Azimio demonstrations.
William Mayange, an Education student was pronounced dead moments after he was rushed to Coptic Hospital with a bullet wound on his neck.
The incident happened shortly after 5pm on Monday, March 20, as students from the university continued to engage the police in running battles.
The deceased was part of a group of students who joined Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition mass action.
The learners alongside other protestors had barricaded the Kisumu-Busia road.
Witnesses told The Standard that the demonstrators overwhelmed police officers who ran out of teargas canisters and opted to fire live rounds.
The claim was also corroborated by a police report which indicated that officers had been overwhelmed.
According to the report, the students had been hurling stones at police officers. Police also claimed that the students had invaded a supermarket next to the institution.
“They overpowered the officers who were manning the station. The officers had run out of teargas canisters and blanks,” said the police.
The shooting sparked tensions at the institutions as more students came out to protest the killing of their colleague.
In a video seen by The Standard, the student can be seen alongside other students while picketing before he suddenly drops to the ground.
The incident is bound to elicit debate on the use of force on protestors by law enforcement.
Fred Makajos, a former student leader at Maseno termed the death of the student as unfortunate.
“It is sad that after a long day’s struggle to liberate our nation, we have come to learn the sudden demise of William Manyenga,” said Makajos.
Several other protestors in Maseno also sustained injuries.
In Kondele, only beach rains stopped the running battles between rioters and police officers.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has insisted that the opposition will continue to push for lowering of prices of basic commodities saying majority of Kenyans are suffering under the Kenya Kwanza regime.
