Homes Burned During MMU Student Protests Over Ongata Rongai Insecurity

Several homes in the Bangladesh slum area of Ongata Rongai were reportedly destroyed by fire during protests involving Multimedia University of Kenya students.

The Tuesday, October 6, incident followed demonstrations over insecurity in the area after a student was allegedly attacked by suspected thugs.

Protesters Block Magadi Road

The affected settlement is located near the main entrance of Multimedia University, close to the boundary between Nairobi and Kajiado counties.

Reports indicated that the attacked student sustained serious injuries and was receiving treatment at a hospital in the area.

The protests later spread to Magadi Road, where students reportedly placed stones and other objects on the road.

The barricades disrupted traffic as motorists were forced to stop or find alternative routes around the affected section.

Houses Reduced to Ashes

Footage from the area showed thick smoke rising above the settlement as several temporary structures were engulfed by flames.

Many of the houses in the informal settlement are constructed using wood, iron sheets and mud, leaving them particularly vulnerable when fires break out.

Residents were reportedly left counting losses as efforts were made to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to additional homes.

Police vehicles were also seen in the area as authorities moved in to assess the situation and establish what had happened.

No casualties had been reported by the time of publication, although the extent of property damage was yet to be officially established.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine whether the homes were deliberately set ablaze during the protests.