Esther Rusha Kidambi, a 33-year-old employee of Strathmore University, died after jumping from the third floor of a building during a security drill, according to Nairobi head of CID Nicholas Kamwende. Kidambi, who worked in the catering department, succumbed to severe head injuries at the university dispensary.
A statement from the university said efforts to resuscitate her failed and the family has been informed. The incident occurred during a drill organized by the university and security agencies to test students' alertness and response.
More than 20 students were injured, with three suffering critical injuries. Eleven students were admitted to Gertrude Hospital, 14 to Nairobi West Hospital, and one with critical injuries to Aga Khan Hospital. Evans Mwendwa of Nairobi West Hospital reported that two students were in the intensive care unit.
Langata OCPD Elijah Mwangi stated that the administration had informed them of the drill and urged a response to demonstrate their level of alertness. Mwangi said, 'We informed the relevant agencies and individuals. It is unfortunate some students were injured in the drama.'
Students described hearing gunshots and blasts coming from within the college at around midday. Officials involved in the operation used rubber bullets and stun grenades to simulate an attack, causing widespread panic among students and lecturers. Some students jumped from their study rooms, while others ran out and took cover.
