A 24-year-old clinical medicine student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Kitale was tragically stabbed to death after a suspected domestic altercation with his girlfriend. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the Huruma area, casting a shadow of grief over the community.
The deceased, identified as Benedict Kiptoo, had been living with his girlfriend when the fight reportedly escalated into violence. Neighbors, who spoke to police, revealed that they heard a commotion coming from Kiptoo’s residence and rushed to investigate. What they discovered was a disturbing scene: Kiptoo lying in a pool of blood, writhing in pain, and struggling to breathe. A deep stab wound to his chest was immediately apparent.
Despite the quick response from a neighboring doctor, who administered first aid in an attempt to save Kiptoo’s life, his injuries proved fatal. The neighbor rushed Kiptoo to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way. The police arrived at the scene soon after the tragic incident, where they recovered a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the attack. Authorities confirmed that the weapon was the likely cause of the fatal wound.
Police investigations suggest that Kiptoo and his girlfriend had been living together as a couple, and the dispute that led to the tragic outcome may have been sparked by a disagreement over Kiptoo allegedly coming home late. This is said to have intensified into a physical altercation, culminating in the fatal stabbing.
The girlfriend, who is currently the prime suspect, fled the scene shortly after the incident and remains at large. Police have launched a manhunt for her and are urging her to surrender herself to authorities for questioning and possible arraignment. The authorities have stated that they are doing everything possible to locate her and bring her to justice.
The murder of Kiptoo has prompted a series of discussions within the local community and beyond about domestic violence and the importance of addressing relationship conflicts peacefully. Police reports indicate that incidents of domestic violence, including murder, have been on the rise. On average, law enforcement agencies across the country are handling between eight to ten murder cases daily, many of which are linked to domestic disputes.
In response to the increasing number of such incidents, police have formed specialized units within the Homicide Unit to address and solve these cases. Recently, the Homicide Unit was moved from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters along Kiambu Road to Nairobi Area Regional offices to streamline operations and improve efficiency in solving cases. Authorities have emphasized that adequate resources will be allocated to ensure these cases are swiftly investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice.
The case of Benedict Kiptoo serves as a painful reminder of the dangers that can arise from unresolved relationship conflicts. Law enforcement and social organizations have reiterated calls for individuals to find healthier, non-violent ways to address disputes in relationships. A key focus is on promoting awareness of domestic violence and providing support systems for victims before conflicts spiral out of control.
The family of Kiptoo, along with the community, are left in mourning as they grapple with the loss of a young life that was taken too soon. As police continue their efforts to apprehend the suspect, there is hope that justice will prevail, but also an urgent call for society to reflect on the deep-rooted issues of domestic violence and work together to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Kiptoo’s body has been taken to Cherengany Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits an autopsy. The ongoing investigations aim to shed more light on the exact circumstances leading to his death, as the search for his assailant intensifies.
