Eldoret Polytechnic: Protests Erupt as 19-Year-Old College Student is Stabbed to Death
- A student’s murder near Eldoret National Polytechnic has sparked protests and heavy police deployment
- The victim was walking to his rented home when he was attacked and robbed by unknown people
- Students have raised alarm over growing insecurity in off-campus areas housing hundreds of learners
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Fear has gripped Eldoret National Polytechnic after male student was brutally stabbed to death while walking to his off-campus residence.
Source: UGC
The incident, which occurred on the night of Sunday, August 3, has stirred anger and panic among students, who have since staged protests, demanding better protection from authorities.
How was Eldoret Polytechnic student stabbed to death?
The 19-year-old victim was reportedly heading home around 8 pm when he was ambushed by unidentified assailants in Cherunya, a student-populated area about two kilometres from the institution.
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The attackers are said to have stabbed him multiple times and fled with some of his personal belongings.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the tragic killing, stating that the student died on the spot.
“We are pursuing all leads to arrest those responsible. They will be brought to justice,” he said.
Mwanthi also urged students to remain calm and avoid engaging in protests, warning that it could worsen the situation.
Eldoret Polytechnic students protest colleague's killing
The killing triggered unrest on Monday morning, with students blocking part of the Eldoret-Kisumu highway near the college.
Anti-riot police were quickly deployed to the scene to restore order. Senior officers were seen engaging the protesting students, urging them to stay peaceful and allow the investigation to proceed.
The institution's Principal Charles Koech addressed the matter, noting that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had already taken over the case.
He assured the student body that the administration was working closely with student leaders and law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
“It’s a painful loss. We ask our students to remain patient and composed as detectives do their work,” he said.
Source: UGC
Student leader Javin Oyoo expressed the growing frustration among students, noting that this was not an isolated incident.
He pointed out that many students who live in hostels outside campus have been complaining about rising insecurity for a while.
“We are scared. Most of us live off-campus, and if nothing changes, this won’t be the last attack,” he said.
The area around Cherunya has increasingly become known for insecurity, especially during evening hours.
Why did Moi University implement 10pm curfew?
In a related development, Moi University introduced a 10:30 pm curfew for all students in response to a rise in insecurity around its main campus in Kesses, Eldoret.
The decision came after a series of late-night incidents involving theft and assault, raising concerns about student safety.
The curfew took effect on July 20 and was communicated through an internal memo by the Moi University Students Organisation (MUSO).
Patrols involving both the university ambulance and Kesses police were deployed to support the directive.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
