Businesses were disrupted halt in Bomet town today as anti-riot police engaged Bomet University students in running battles during a demonstration over a biting water shortage.
The protests escalated when police lobbed teargas canisters to disperse hundreds of chanting students who attempted to storm the county headquarters. The students were demanding an audience with Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok over what they described as chronic inaction by local authorities.
Shops closed, transport was disrupted, and traders scrambled to secure their premises as teargas engulfed the town’s central business district during the hour-long standoff.
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According to student leaders, the demonstration was triggered by the drowning of a fellow student who had gone looking for water to bathe in a local river due to the campus supply failure.
Addressing the media during the protest, Bomet University Student Organisation (BUSO) President Ruth Zico condemned the university administration and the local utility provider for failing to ensure basic amenities on and around the campus.
“We have gone without clean running water for over four months, putting our health and safety at risk. The tragic loss of our fellow student is the final straw,” Zico said.
She issued a seven-day ultimatum to both the County Government of Bomet and the Bomet Water and Sanitation Company (BOMWASCO) to restore normal supply, warning that failure to act would trigger weekly demonstrations.
