Tears as Kabianga University student killed by boyfriend is buried

Trans Nzoia, Kenya: The University of Kabianga student stabbed to death by her boyfriend has been buried.

Mourners condemned the killing of the first year student at the ceremony that saw their home in Kiminini Constituency in Trans Nzoia County packed with shocked villagers, students and the university’s staff. Local leaders also attended.

Edith Masengele Ofubwa, 21, was killed after her boyfriend stormed her college room and allegedly accused her of cheating on him.

Friends said there was a misunderstanding between the two. Ofubwa was the only of her single mother’s five children to have made it to the university. Her mother said she was the family’s only hope.

Kabianga University Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics and Students Affairs Joseph Ojiambo, said the university would institute counselling to alleviate such cases.

“I’ll engage the Dean’s office more to conduct counselling frequently on problem solving,” said the DVC.

He added: “All schools and lecturers are encouraged to take at least five minutes to offer guidance to students during lectures to help curb such incidents in future.”

University Students’ Counselor Monicah Okubo said lack of openness among students was the leading cause of suicide-related cases and such killings.

“We are sorry for what happened, and we hope it will never happen again,” said Mrs Okubo, adding there was need for people to open up to friends and share disturbing issues.

“We want to come up with small groups that will help in sharing information among and between students and involve more the leaders of Religious Associations and chaplaincy to feel open to members and advise them on issue management,” added Mrs Okubo.

Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa condemned the killing and called on the institutions to beef up security. He called on the Government to up security in all institutions of higher learning.

“We have heard of terror alerts targeting colleges and universities in Uasin-Gishu and. We are calling on the Government to ensure the institutions are safe,” said Wamalwa.

Prof Ojiambo said they received terror alerts last week and were not taking anything for granted. He said security personnel had been deployed in the University to beef up security across all the campuses.