MMU Students Torch Houses in Ongata Rongai Over Colleague’s Attack
Residents of the Bangladesh slum area of Ongata Rongai are counting losses after several houses were reportedly set on fire by some students from the Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU).
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, as the students reportedly staged protests over insecurity in the area.
Reports indicate that the protests erupted after a university student was allegedly attacked by thugs, leaving him in critical condition in the hospital.
Thick Smoke Billows as Houses Burn
Footage seen by this publication shows thick smoke billowing in the sky as bystanders looked in awe while houses were being reduced to ashes.
The slum that is near the main gate of MMU and at the boundary of Nairobi and Kajiado Counties is made up of temporary houses, many made of wood and iron sheets, while others are made of mud.
Students walking from the university to the neighbouring Maasai Lodge area of Ongata Rongai walk near the slum, which is opposite the school fence.
Traffic Halted on Magadi Road
The protests extended to Magadi Road, temporarily halting traffic along the route.
Students reportedly barricaded the road with stones and other objects, forcing motorists to stop, causing snarls.
Others were forced to seek alternative routes to beat the traffic and reach their destination in time.
Police on Site
Police vehicles were also seen in the area as the authorities are expected to verify and determine the extent of damage and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
By the time of this publication, however, there were no reports of casualties as homeowners continued to battle to put out the fire.