Nairobi Road Secondary School in Nakuru City has been closed indefinitely following a student protest over the death of a Form Four candidate, Peter Kahembe, who was allegedly assaulted before being fatally struck by a speeding vehicle.
The unrest began early Monday morning as students staged a protest along the busy Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, demanding justice for their fallen classmate and the arrest of students from another school believed to have been involved in the assault.
According to students who spoke to Media, Kahembe had reportedly been targeted in a bullying incident that escalated tragically.
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They claimed that a student who had recently transferred to their school was at the centre of the incident, allegedly teaming up with his former schoolmates to harass Kahembe on Friday.
“He was being bullied by a group connected to another school,” one student said. “When he tried to escape, he ran into another group who attacked him again. While fleeing, he was hit by a speeding car.”
Kahembe was rushed to Nakuru County Hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Saturday while undergoing treatment.
Despite attempts by the school principal, Mr. Robert Ndirangu, to calm the situation, students remained defiant, calling for his transfer and accusing the school administration of inaction.
“You have been released; the school has been closed. Your case has been heard,” Ndirangu told the students after tensions escalated.
However, the school board’s version of events differed from the students’ claims. Board member Geoffrey Mugo maintained that Kahembe was not assaulted, stating that the student was simply hit by a car while crossing the road.
“We came to assess the situation after the protest. The school has now been closed. What happened was an accident,” Mugo said.
Nakuru East Sub-County Police Commander Samson Andaje confirmed that the matter had been reported and assured the public that investigations are ongoing. He appealed for calm, urging students and parents to allow the authorities time to establish the facts and ensure justice is done.
The tragedy has stirred a wave of grief and anger among students, many of whom insist that Kahembe’s death could have been prevented.