MKU students call for swift action over incessant robbery attacks
Mount Kenya University students in Thika, Kiambu county, have raised alarm over a surge of robbery attacks within the institution.
Troubled by the growing number of attacks by young men, often armed with knives and guns, the students said they were living in fear of being confronted by the daring muggers.
The criminals, the students said, have been targeting them as they return to their hostels after classes where they waylay them before stealing valuables.
Attackers are reported to be targeting students with smartphones and laptops.
While some students live in campus hostels, a majority stay about a kilometer or more from the school where they have rented houses.
Led by Lynda Kendi, a First Year student who lives at Runda estate, they have decried that insecurity has compelled them to be stepping in their houses as early as 5pm to avoid the attacks.
Kendi recounted how her colleague was recently attacked on her way home. Her attackers made away with her phone and cash.
“My schoolmate was waylaid by young men armed with a gun and knives on this street as she returned to the house from the university. They threatened to stab and kill her and demanded to have everything that was in her possession.
They robbed her phone, cash, earphones and the bag that she had,” said Kendi.
Sharleen Miriti, another student, blamed the insecurity menace to dysfunctional floodlights installed from the school to their hostels. She is calling on relevant authorities to look into the issue and apprehend the gang.
Contacted, Thika Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Kinyua said his officers were seized of the matter.
He said officers were liaising with the institution’s security organs to establish the most appropriate area to establish a police post.
“As we liaise to establish a police post, we are doing everything possible to ensure the students are safe,” Kinyua said.
