Tension has engulfed the Eldoret National Polytechnic after a 19-year-old student was fatally stabbed by unknown assailants on Sunday night while walking home, prompting a heavy police presence and renewed concerns over student safety.
The student, whose identity is yet to be released, was attacked at around 8 p.m. while heading to his rented residence in the Cherunya area, located approximately two kilometers from the institution. The area, densely populated by students from the polytechnic, has previously been flagged for insecurity.
Confirming the incident, Eldoret National Polytechnic Principal Dr. Charles Koech described the killing as a tragic loss. “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,” Koech said. He further noted that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have taken over the case.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed that the student died on the spot from multiple stab wounds, adding that the attackers also stole the victim’s personal belongings. “We are pursuing all leads to arrest those responsible. They will be brought to justice,” Mwanthi stated.
The brutal murder has sparked outrage and fear among students, many of whom reside in private hostels around the college. The Eldoret National Polytechnic has a student population of over 18,000, and the majority live off-campus in areas now seen as potential danger zones.
In response to growing tensions and threats of protests from the student body, security has been intensified both on the campus and in surrounding residential areas. Armed police officers have been deployed to maintain order and prevent further unrest.
“We urge students to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed. Protests will only worsen the situation,” Mwanthi added.
As detectives continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and pursue the perpetrators, the tragedy has ignited a broader conversation about the safety of students in college towns and the need for stronger security measures in student-populated areas.
