Tensions have boiled over at Kitale National Polytechnic as students clash with police, protesting against Chief Principal Tom Mulati’s leadership. Accusations of authoritarianism, intimidation of student leaders, and a controversial multi-million shilling electronic voting system have sparked outrage.
Students allege the voting system, essentially a rudimentary website, is being pushed to rig upcoming elections in favour of a candidate closely linked to the administration. Critics argue that the system’s hefty price tag is a cover for embezzlement, raising serious questions about financial accountability.
Chaos engulfed the campus on Monday as students faced a heavy-handed police response. Shocking footage shows officers unleashing tear gas and roughing up unarmed demonstrators, fuelling fears of rising repression within the institution.
As calls for transparency and democratic rights grow louder, the embattled administration faces increasing pressure to address the students’ grievances and restore calm.
