Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a Form Four candidate at Shinners’ Boys High School in Nakuru County have arrested four more students, bringing the total number of suspects to eight.
Gilgil police boss Winston Mwakio on Monday told the Nation that the arrests were made Sunday evening following further interrogations on the circumstances that led to the stabbing of 18-year-old Vincent Muchiri on Saturday evening.
Among those detained is a student who was injured in the same altercation, sustaining a stab wound to the thigh and who is expected to provide insight into the events of that night.
Police are still investigating the origin of the murder weapon, considering whether it was a school kitchen knife or brought in by the suspects.
Students interrogated informed detectives that the main suspect had been armed with two broken bottles which were found at the scene, though the primary weapon has not been recovered as the suspect reportedly fled with it after the incident.
“The eight students are taking their exams in custody. We’ve converted one of our rooms into an exam centre to ensure they can sit for their exams comfortably," Mr Mwakio said.
This decision to have the suspects write the exam from cells was confirmed by Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang on Monday during the opening of the exam materials in Nakuru County.
Dr Kipsang stated that the students, who are currently assisting detectives with investigations, would continue with their exams as authorities prepare to take the matter to court.
"We have been assured by our security teams that they have conducted adequate checks and apprehended the suspects. The candidates will do exams from wherever they are, and once investigations conclude, they will be taken to court,” Dr Kipsang said.
In the attack, Muchiri was stabbed in the lower abdomen following a scuffle in a dormitory as students prepared for their evening preps.
According to reports, Muchiri was attacked after four boys, who had just returned from suspension, demanded to know who had tampered with their personal belongings during their absence.
Muchiri succumbed to his injuries while being rushed to Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital. Another student injured in the altercation with a stab wound to his thigh was treated and discharged.
The attack has put Shinners’ Boys in the spotlight, with heightened concerns over student safety and school security.
Nakuru County Commissioner Lyford Kibaara assured that security measures would be intensified to prevent any possible retaliation within the school community.
In his remarks, Dr Kipsang also addressed rising cases of teenage pregnancies among candidates noting an increase from the previous year.
"Many girls are facing hardship as they sit for exams with some rushing to hospitals to give birth,” he said.
A comprehensive report on hardship cases, including teenage pregnancies, illnesses and imprisonment among candidates will be issued at the end of the exam period, he said.
The PS also highlighted the recent arrest of a scammer who had been targeting parents on social media with fraudulent promises related to exam assistance.
In coordination with the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec), cybercrime units, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, authorities were able to identify and arrest the suspect over the weekend.
