The Eldoret National Polytechnic./FILE
Tension has gripped the Eldoret National Polytechnic after a male student was stabbed to death by unknown attackers on Sunday night, sparking outrage among students and prompting a heavy police deployment.
The student, 19, was attacked around 8 p.m. while walking home from the college to his rented residence in the Cherunya area, about two kilometers away.
College Principal Dr. Charles Koech confirmed the incident, stating that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are handling the case.
“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.
The area, known for its large student population, has now become the focus of a murder investigation.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the fatal attack, saying the student died on the spot from stab wounds.
He added that the assailants also stole personal items from the victim.
“We are pursuing all leads to arrest those responsible. They will be brought to justice,” Mwanthi said.
In response to growing anger from students and threats of protests, heavily armed police officers have been deployed to the college and surrounding areas to maintain order.
“We urge students to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed. Protests will only worsen the situation,” Mwanthi added.
The killing has shocked the student body, with many expressing fear and frustration over safety concerns around the campus and its environs.
The Eldoret National Polytechnic has a student population of over 18,000, most of whom reside in private hostels in the vicinity of the campus.
Security has now been beefed up both on the campus and in nearby student residential areas as investigations continue.
