Tension engulfed Nchiru area in Meru on Monday after a landlord allegedly stabbed a Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) student during a heated altercation, sparking violent protests that left property worth thousands of shillings destroyed.
According to witnesses, chaos erupted near Nchiru market after the dispute between the student and the landlord turned violent.
The student, whose identity is yet to be revealed, was reportedly attacked with a knife and sustained serious injuries.
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He was rushed to Tigania Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment in critical condition as doctors fight to save his life.
Moments after news of the stabbing spread, hundreds of MUST students took to the streets in anger, marching toward the landlord’s residence.
The situation quickly escalated as the enraged students set the suspect’s house and several nearby rental structures ablaze, accusing the landlord of brutality.
Videos shared online and seen by FMFIX Hub showed flames engulfing multiple buildings as thick plumes of smoke rose above Nchiru, with residents fleeing the area for safety.
Firefighters and police officers were later deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and disperse the rioters.
By the time calm was restored, the landlord’s home had been completely reduced to ashes, and several other properties in the vicinity had been severely damaged.
The incident also brought business operations around Nchiru market to a standstill as terrified traders closed shops and residents stayed indoors.
Police have since launched investigations into the incident to establish the cause of the dispute and bring those responsible to justice.
Authorities are also assessing the extent of the destruction as tension remains high around the university and neighbouring residential areas.