The murder of a third-year student has shaken Maseno University to its core. Angered by rising insecurity and a lack of action from authorities, students took to the streets in protest.
The violent unrest temporarily blocked the busy Kisumu-Busia highway, highlighting growing frustration over student safety.
The tragic death of Boaz Zachary—who was killed under mysterious circumstances—has reignited calls for justice and security around the university.
Maseno Student Riots Erupt After Boaz Zachary’s Murder
Chaos erupted at Maseno University after students protested the murder of Boaz Zachary, a third-year Bachelor of Arts student. On Friday, April 4, hundreds of students poured into the streets, furious and heartbroken.
Zachary doubled as a boda boda rider to support himself through school. On the night of April 3, he was seen heading toward the Trinity area with a passenger. Hours later, his body was found dumped by the roadside, bearing severe head injuries. His motorbike was missing.
The students believe he was attacked and killed while working. His death not only robbed them of a friend but exposed a dangerous reality: insecurity around the university is growing, and no one seems to care.
Outraged, students blocked the Kisumu-Busia road using stones and debris. Traffic ground to a halt for hours.
Anti-riot police rushed to the scene and fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd, leading to running battles between police and the protesters.
Despite the heavy police presence, students stood their ground. They demanded answers, safety, and justice for Boaz.
Alarming Pattern of Death and Silence
Boaz Zachary’s killing wasn’t the first tragedy to hit Maseno University in recent weeks. Just days earlier, on March 15, the body of Julias Kamanja—a first-year student—was discovered near a water treatment plant behind RAM Hostels. He had gone missing days before.
Now, with two deaths in under a month, students are asking hard questions. Who is next? Why isn’t the administration acting? Why do police only show up with tear gas—but never with answers?
Maseno University student leader Benjamin Anditi strongly condemned Boaz’s murder. “It’s unacceptable that such a brutal killing can happen without swift police action,” he told local media. “We will push for justice and better security for all students.”
These words reflect the mood on campus: tired, scared, and angry. The administration has remained largely silent. Meanwhile, fear grows.
Students feel unprotected. Many are calling for the university to work with police to secure areas around the campus, especially at night. What started as grief has now become a demand for accountability.
