In a recent development regarding the murder at Shiners Boys High School in Nakuru, four suspects will now sit for their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams while being held in custody. Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang confirmed this on Monday as he oversaw the opening of an examination container in Nakuru, where he outlined the government’s commitment to ensuring fair investigation alongside the suspects’ right to complete their exams.
According to Kipsang, a multiagency team, including law enforcement, is working diligently to uncover the full details behind the murder of a KCSE candidate who was fatally stabbed at the school on Saturday night. The suspects, who are fellow students, reportedly had disciplinary issues before the incident, and authorities are now looking closely at the role these issues may have played in the tragic event. “The candidates will do the exam from wherever they are, and thereafter, we shall conclude the process,” Kipsang said, noting that the security and criminal justice systems are taking charge of the case.
This tragic incident has underscored the challenges facing both the education sector and law enforcement regarding safety in schools, especially during the KCSE exam period. The murder has raised concerns among parents, school administrators, and the public about how effective security measures are in protecting students. The suspects had reportedly been suspended from Shiners Boys High School but returned specifically to sit for their exams. Upon their return, they found their personal items destroyed, prompting suspicions that the victim may have been involved, escalating tensions among the students. This tension ultimately resulted in a fatal stabbing on Saturday night.
Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winstone Mwakio expressed his concerns about how a weapon, presumably a knife, was smuggled onto school premises, citing it as a serious breach of security protocols. According to Mwakio, indiscipline within the school had been flagged previously, and he highlighted that such incidents underscore the need for schools to implement stricter security policies and take measures to address students’ grievances before they spiral into violence.
The main suspect, a Sudanese national named Dak, fled immediately after the murder, attempting to evade capture by traveling overnight to Nairobi. Police launched a swift search operation and apprehended him on Sunday, detaining him for further questioning. The three other suspects, now in custody, are expected to cooperate as witnesses, with the case officially handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for further processing.
As the incident unfolded, Education PS Kipsang acknowledged the emotional weight of the tragedy but emphasized that the suspects still have the right to complete their exams under the law, despite the circumstances. He assured the public that the education system would support the logistical needs required to make this possible, stating, “The KCSE is a crucial point in these students’ lives, and we want to make sure that we do not obstruct their exams while the security teams pursue justice.”
Kipsang’s statement reflects the delicate balance the government must maintain between upholding the integrity of the national exams and ensuring due process in a case involving students as suspects. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and other relevant bodies have underscored the need for additional support and mental health resources in schools to help prevent similar occurrences. Reports of student unrest in other institutions have led officials to highlight the importance of addressing underlying issues related to peer conflict, bullying, and other psychological pressures faced by students, particularly during the stressful exam season.
As the suspects sit for their exams in custody, their court proceedings are expected to proceed swiftly, ensuring that justice is served for the family of the deceased. The KCSE exams, a pivotal national assessment for many Kenyan students, have already been disrupted by this incident, prompting the Ministry of Education and law enforcement agencies to review security measures across examination centers to protect the safety of all candidates.
The incident at Shiners Boys High School serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved school security protocols and the importance of addressing indiscipline before it escalates. The Ministry of Education is also looking at longer-term solutions, including counseling services and peer mediation programs, to foster a safer and more supportive school environment for all students.
