Eldoret Polytechnic students protest after colleague’s fatal stabbing

Some of the protesting students at the Eldoret National Polytechnic on August 4, 2025./MATHEWS NDANYI

Tensions ran high at Eldoret National Polytechnic on Monday after students staged protests over the murder of a fellow student, who was stabbed to death by unknown assailants on Sunday night.

The 19-year-old student was attacked around 8 pm while walking from the college to his rented house in the Cherunya area, about two kilometres from the institution.

The area, which houses many students in off-campus hostels, has raised growing concerns over safety.

According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the student died on the spot. The attackers are also believed to have stolen some of his belongings.

“We are investigating the incident and are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Mwanthi said. “We urge students to remain calm and allow us to carry out our work.”

Police officers talking to students who had blocked the Eldoret-Kisumu road near the Eldoret National Polytechnic/MATHEWS NDANYI

Outraged by the killing, students blocked a section of the Eldoret-Kisumu road, demanding better security.

Anti-riot police were deployed to manage the situation, and senior officers were seen speaking with students to restore calm.

Eldoret National Polytechnic Principal Dr. Charles Koech met with student leaders and security officials, urging students to stay peaceful as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) handles the case.

“We understand your pain. This matter is under active investigation, and we ask for your patience as the authorities do their job,” Dr. Koech told the students.

A police officer talking to the protesting students at the Eldoret National Polytechnic on August 4, 2025./MATHEWS NDANYI

No property was damaged during the protests, and police managed to persuade students to resume normalcy, though security remains tight around the campus and nearby residential areas.

Student leader Javin Oyoo voiced the students' frustration, saying the latest incident follows several others involving students, yet little has been done to improve their safety.

“Most of us live outside campus. We need proper security measures put in place to protect students from such attacks,” Oyoo said.

A police officer talking to the protesting students at the Eldoret National Polytechnic on August 4, 2025./MATHEWS NDANYI

The college, located along the Eldoret-Kisumu road, has over 18,000 students, the majority of whom reside in rented accommodation around the institution.

Investigations into the killing are ongoing.