Seven hotel workers arrested over death of university student

Tom Mboya University where the deceased student was learning (James Omoro, Standard).

Seven hotel workers have been arrested in connection with the murder of a fourth year student of Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay County.

The male student died after allegedly being assaulted by the workers of Dalawa Hotel in Homa Bay Town.

According to the Chief of Arujo location Bob Lang'o, the student seemed to have developed mental health issues prior to the incident.

The student first shocked residents when he removed his clothes in the central business district of Homa Bay Town on Saturday afternoon. He moved into Al-Maiza Supermarket at Sofia Estate where he picked a packet of blue band and left with it without paying.

"Residents were shocked to see the student removing his clothes in the CBD of Homa Bay Town. He discarded his clothes and began walking naked, carrying a laptop before going into the supermarket," Lang'o said.

The students went to a petrol station and attempted to interfere with attendants but the attendants chased him away. He went into a building where motorcycles were being sold but the business operators restrained him from doing anything.

He finally ran to the hotel situated about 200 meters away. Upon entry he reportedly began destroying the hotel items such as a television screen and other items.

"We suspect the student had developed metal problems. He entered the Dalawa Hotel where he destroyed a television screen and other items. The hotel workers went to restrain him but he resisted. The hotel workers assaulted and injured him," Lang'o said.

The hotel workers reportedly tied the student's legs and hands before police were called.

The student was rushed to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital where he died a few minutes later while receiving medical care.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Hassan Barua said they had arrested seven workers of the hotel. The workers include four men and three women.

"We have arrested the seven suspects to help us with crucial information regarding the incident. Investigations area going on to enable justice to prevail," Barua said.

The body was moved to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital morgue.