Tensions flare at Eldoret National Polytechnic following student's murder
The 19-year-old student was attacked at around 8 pm while walking from the college to his rented residence in the Cherunya area
Tensions gripped Eldoret National Polytechnic on Monday as students took to the streets to protest the brutal killing of a fellow student who was stabbed to death by unknown assailants on Sunday night.
The 19-year-old student was attacked at around 8 pm while walking from the college to his rented residence in the Cherunya area, approximately two kilometres from the institution.
The area is a popular off-campus housing zone for students but has increasingly come under scrutiny over rising insecurity.
According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the victim died on the spot, with the assailants believed to have stolen some of his personal belongings before fleeing the scene.
Outraged by the killing, students staged protests and blocked a section of the Eldoret-Kisumu Road, demanding immediate action from authorities to improve safety for off-campus residents.
Anti-riot police were deployed to contain the situation, while senior officers engaged students in dialogue in a bid to restore calm.
Eldoret National Polytechnic Principal Dr. Charles Koech held a crisis meeting with student leaders and local security officials. He urged the student body to remain calm and assured them that investigations were already underway.
“We understand your pain. This matter is under active investigation, and we ask for your patience as the authorities do their job,” said Dr. Koech.
Student leader Javin Oyoo expressed frustration over recurring attacks on students, noting that safety concerns in the area have been repeatedly raised but remain unaddressed.
“Most of us live outside campus. We need proper security measures put in place to protect students from such attacks,” he said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since launched a probe into the murder, with police vowing to track down the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, student leaders are calling for the establishment of regular patrols, better lighting in high-risk areas, and collaboration between local security teams and campus administration.
