Last moments of murdered Masinde Muliro University student Mackrine Achieng

Mackrine Achieng, a student of Masinde Muliro University, was found raped and murdered on Tuesday, June 2. [Bernard Lusigi, Standard]

Mackrine Achieng, the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) student who was found raped and killed on Wednesday morning, had spent Tuesday evening partying, The Standard has learnt.

Achieng told her friend at 10am on Tuesday that she would spend a better part of the day partying at an undisclosed place in Kakamega Town.

The Third Year Bachelor of Education (English/Literature) student was in “her usual jovial mood”, when her pal last saw her.

“She was happy,” said the friend, who sought anonymity.

“Mackrine left the hostel at 10am, saying she was going to spend the remainder of the day partying at ‘a place’ in Kakamega Town,” said the pal, adding: “When I asked her to reveal the exact party venue, she refused.”

The informant said Achieng told her she would spend the night out if the party proves enjoyable.

“She said, if the party gets too lively to leave before the 10pm curfew cut-off, she would return early in the morning because she had a class to teach,” said the friend.

Achieng, 22, was on teaching practice (mandatory internship for students pursuing a degree course in education) at the Shieywe Secondary School in Kakamega Town.

“I never saw her from 10am Tuesday, only to hear the following morning that she had been found raped and killed,” said the friend.

The informant said she and other MMUST students positively identified Achieng on Wednesday morning, June 2.

Kakamega Central OCPD David Kabena told The Standard one person has been arrested in connection with Achieng’s rape and murder.

“We understand the suspect was the girl’s boyfriend,” he said, adding: “Our investigations are fast taking shape.”

According to the Kakamega police boss, Achieng’s killing could be as a result of unrequited love.

“The nature of her death suggests someone close to her organised her sexual abuse and killing,” said Kabena.

The police chief believes Achieng was accosted while returning to her hostel room on Tuesday night.

“Our investigations suggest the man, whom we have since arrested, was with the girl in his house before she died in brutal circumstances. Her body was dumped a few metres from her hostel room at Kefinco-Jua kali Phase III in Kakamega Town,” added the OCPD.

“We are analysing her phone log for possible links to the motive behind her killing. We have confiscated the main suspect’s phone and that of the now-deceased,” he said.

Police have also taken the suspect’s semen and blood samples for examination.

“The samples were transported to the government laboratory in Nairobi for analysis,” said Kabena.

Serial killer claims

The area police boss dismissed claims that Achieng was raped and murdered by a serial killer in Kakamega Town, who targets MMUST students.

“Don’t be shocked to discover that the culprits live among the students.”

Kabena said security within MMUST and its environs has been beefed up following the recent killing of one of the learners.

“I urge the students to remain calm as we look for a long-lasting solution,” he said.

MMUST students claim Achieng’s killing is the third involving their collegemate in the last five months.

“Five other students were recently left injured after being attacked by unknown people in the area,” said Brian Odhiambo, a student leader at MMUST.

Mackrine Achieng’s semi-naked body, which had bruises on the thighs, was found in a thicket after she went missing from Kefinco Estate on Tuesday evening.

The student’s body was taken to the Kakamega County Hospital mortuary for postmortem.

On Wednesday, June 2, MMUST students took to the streets to protest rising cases of insecurity in the area.

Kakamega Central OCPD Kabena told The Standard that the students’ concern would be addressed urgently.

The victim’s collegemates eulogised her as a jovial, welcoming and kind person.

Several MMUST students have been killed in Kefinco and its surrounding areas in unclear circumstances in the last two years.