A wave of tension has engulfed the Eldoret National Polytechnic following the fatal stabbing of a 19-year-old male student near the institution. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday night as the student was walking home to his rented residence in Cherunya, approximately two kilometers from the campus.
The attack happened around 8 p.m., when unknown assailants pounced on the student, fatally injuring him with stab wounds before fleeing the scene. Personal items belonging to the victim were reportedly stolen during the assault. The student died on the spot.
The incident has triggered fear and frustration among the student community, with many now questioning their safety while commuting to and from campus. The area surrounding the college, known for its dense student population and numerous private hostels, has become the center of a murder investigation.
Security authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects, vowing to bring those responsible to justice. In the meantime, detectives are following multiple leads in an effort to identify and apprehend the attackers.
In response to the incident, heavy police presence has been established around the college and in nearby residential areas to deter any further violence and maintain order. This move comes amid rising anger and threats of student protests, as peers of the deceased demand answers and increased safety measures.
The institution’s administration has also initiated talks with student leaders and security personnel to address growing concerns and prevent the situation from escalating further. Students have been urged to stay calm and allow investigations to proceed uninterrupted.
The Eldoret National Polytechnic accommodates over 18,000 students, most of whom live in off-campus housing. The recent killing has amplified existing anxieties about security in the surrounding neighborhoods, which many students traverse daily.
Security around the campus has since been intensified, with patrols and surveillance in hotspot areas stepped up. Despite these efforts, students remain uneasy, demanding long-term solutions to the recurring threats they face beyond the classroom.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures for students, especially those living off-campus. As investigations continue, both authorities and the institution are under pressure to ensure justice is served and such tragedies are prevented in the future.
