By Suleiman Mbatiah
Nakuru businessman and philanthropist Maina Wakabura has called on police to investigate, arrest and prosecute those behind the killing of a security guard at Harambee Khalsa Comprehensive School in Biashara Ward, Nakuru Town East.
The guard, Josphat Onyango, 53, was found dead within the school compound yesterday morning. His body lay near one of the Grade Eight classrooms, with signs indicating a violent struggle.
Learners who arrived early at the school were among the first to encounter the gruesome scene. Many were visibly distressed.
Board of Management chairperson Harry Bosire said a member of the support staff arrived at the school shortly after 6am and found the gate unusually locked.
Mr Wakabura said schools should be safe spaces and not scenes of violence.
“No one deserves to lose their life in such a brutal and senseless manner, especially while protecting a school and its community,” he said.
He described the killing as disturbing and a reminder of rising insecurity. He condoled with the family, the school community and all those affected.
Investigators believe the guard may have been attacked to prevent him from responding to a robbery that occurred elsewhere within the school.
“We have informed the police to act swiftly and arrest those responsible. It is painful that an innocent guard was killed while on duty. We hope justice will be served,” Mr Bosire said.
Following consultations, the school sent learners home to shield them from further trauma.
Nakuru Town East sub-County Police Commander Samson Andanje said the Directorate of Criminal Investigations had taken over the case.
“The body was moved to the Nakuru County Morgue. The scene has been processed, and investigations are ongoing,” Mr Andanje said.
He added that the attack did not appear to target the guard specifically, noting that the school was also robbed.
The deceased’s children arrived at the school after learning of the incident.
“My father left home on Wednesday evening after dinner, as he always did. He usually returns around 6.30am,” said his son Denis Simiyu.
He added that when he did not come back in time and his phone was off, he knew something was wrong.
He said the family was called and asked to rush to the school. He did not get a chance to see his body, but what he found at the scene, he explained, shook him deeply.
His sister, Jacqueline Onyango, described their father as a devoted and hardworking family man.
“He guarded at night and looked for casual work during the day. He stayed in constant touch with us. His death has devastated our family,” he said.
Parents urged the school to deploy at least two guards per shift and install CCTV cameras, citing the school’s vast compound and security risks.
Mt Kenya Times 
John Kariuki