Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate Vincent Ngugi Muchiri, who was murdered last Saturday at Shiners Boys High School in Nakuru, died from a stab wound to the chest, an autopsy has indicated.
This is even as another stabbing incident was reported in Eldoret where a 14-year-old Grade Five boy has been arrested in connection with the brutal killing of his classmate aged 16 following a fight over a dove.
In the Shiners incident, the post-mortem conducted on Thursday at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary by government pathologist Titus Ngulungu showed that the student had been stabbed twice — once in the chest and once in the abdomen.
Mr Muchiri Ngugi, Vincent’s father, has been struggling to come to terms with the loss of his first-born son. He was too overwhelmed to witness the procedure after seeing his son’s body.
Vincent’s uncle, Mr Sedrick Shazia, shared the findings, stating that the pathologist confirmed that the boy had died due to a stab wound to the chest, which had pierced his heart.
“The pathologist told us that he had been stabbed twice, contrary to earlier reports that he had only been stabbed in the abdomen. He said that he could not have survived due to the seriousness of the wound, which is why he passed away before even reaching the hospital,” Mr Shazia explained.
“His death is a blow to the family. When we received the news we were all shocked and we still are. He went to school in good health, only for his life to be cut short by other students. His parents are in bad shape; they really need counselling,” Mr Shazia said.
Recalling the final moments he shared with his son, Mr Ngugi said that Vincent had spent most of August learning about coding, as he was fascinated by technology.
“He convinced me to install Wi-Fi at home to cut the cost of buying bundles every day since he spent most of his time using the computer when he wasn’t studying for his KCSE exams,” he said.
“It’s so sad to see my son lying on the cold slab while those who killed him are now doing their exams. I was not strong enough to see the pathologist cutting through his body. I really wanted the best for my son. He had dreams of working overseas, but that was cut short,” he said, wiping away tears.
Nakuru detectives probe fatal stabbing of KCSE candidate
Vincent’s aunt, Josephine Kamonya demanded justice.
“As a family, we loved him so much. He had big dreams. He promised his mother that he would work hard in his final exams. We’ll miss him in our gatherings. We just want justice,” she said.
The family has called for a thorough police investigation to ensure that those responsible for his death face justice.
In the Eldoret incident, the 14-year-old boy is said to have stabbed his classmate in the chest with a knife.
Suspect, killer weapon and questions
The cause of the fight between the teenagers was a dove valued at Sh300. The two were friends and classmates.
According to police, an argument ensued between them when each claimed ownership of the dove. The suspected killer is said to have dashed to his home, grabbed a knife and returned to stab his friend in the chest.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said the suspect is being held at Kipkaren Police Station for grilling as investigations into the matter go on.
“We have arrested the prime suspect in the killing of a Grade five learner and he is being held at Kipkaren police station. Investigating officers are looking into this tragic incident and as soon as investigations are complete, the suspect will be arraigned in court,” said the county police boss.
Witnesses said the deceased had overpowered the assailant during the confrontation, after which the assailant rushed to his parents’ house and returned to the scene of the incident with a knife, which he used to stab his classmate before fleeing from the scene.
Police are yet to recover the killer weapon, after arresting the assailant.
“Our officers are looking for the knife that was allegedly used in the killing. We will not rest until we recover the knife that is said to have been used to stab the deceased and it will be used as an exhibit in the murder case against him,” Mr Mwanthi said.
