Eldoret: Tension remains high at the Eldoret National Polytechnic, following the brutal murder of a 19-year-old male student who was stabbed to death by unknown assailants. The incident has sparked outrage among students, leading to heightened security surveillance as authorities launched a speedy investigation into the unfortunate incident.
According to Kenya News Agency, the student was attacked around 8:00 p.m. while walking from the college to his rented residence in Cherunya area, a student-dominated suburb in Kapseret Sub-County, Uasin Gishu County, located approximately two kilometers from the main campus. The assailants, who remain unidentified, reportedly stabbed him multiple times and fled the scene after stealing his personal belongings. He died on the spot from his injuries.
Confirming the incident, Eldoret National Polytechnic Principal, Dr. Charles Koech, described the death as a tragic loss and assured the college community that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had taken up the case and was optimistic the culprits will be apprehended. "We are engaging student leaders and security officials, to address the situation. It's a tragic loss, and we are urging students to stay calm as investigations continue," Dr. Koech said.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Benjamin Mwanthi, also confirmed the fatal stabbing, stating that the victim's killers would be brought to justice. "We are pursuing all leads to arrest those responsible. They will be brought to justice," he said.
In response to the growing unrest, authorities swiftly deployed heavily armed police officers around the institution and nearby residential areas to prevent possible protests. "We urge students to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed. Protests will only worsen the situation," Mwanthi cautioned.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the college, where the majority of students reside off-campus in privately rented hostels. Many have taken to social media to express frustration and fear over rising insecurity around the campus, calling for urgent intervention to enhance safety, particularly during evening and night hours.
Cherunya, the area where the student was attacked, is known for its large concentration of students and has now become the focus of an intense murder investigation. In the wake of the incident, patrols have been stepped-up in and around the campus and student residential areas to reassure the public and restore calm. As investigations continue, both college officials and law enforcement agencies have pledged to work closely with student leaders, to enhance security measures and ensure justice is served.