Lugari, Kakamega County – Sunday, November 9, 2025: Police in Lugari Sub-county have launched investigations into the mysterious death of Munyuki Mixed Secondary School Principal, Simon Isiaho Shange, whose body was recovered from River Kipkaren on Saturday — six days after he allegedly went missing following a road accident.
According to initial police reports, Shange disappeared on Monday, November 3. This is after his vehicle collided with a truck at Stage Omega, near the Lumakanda junction along the Eldoret–Malaba Highway.
Officials Witness Retrieval of Body
Lugari Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Linet Orina and Sub-County Police Commander Robert Kurgat confirmed the recovery, expressing sadness over the incident and pledging to expedite investigations.
“When we received the accident report on Monday morning, we did not know the vehicle belonged to a principal because the driver had mysteriously disappeared,” Orina said.
“After further inquiries, we identified it as belonging to Munyuki Mixed Secondary School and began searching for him alongside the family.”
She added that on Saturday morning, a resident reported seeing a body floating on the river in Munyuki area. Upon arrival, police confirmed it was the missing principal.
Orina urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as investigations continue.
Education Leaders Demand Answers
Kakamega KUPPET Chairperson, Johnston Wabuti, condemned the death, describing it as a disturbing tragedy for the education sector.
“A principal leaves for work, gets into an accident, and days later his body is found decomposing in a river. This is unacceptable,” said Wabuti.
“We demand thorough investigations and accountability from authorities. If we don’t receive an official report, we will mobilize all principals to withdraw from supervising national exams,” he warned.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations began nationwide last week under tight security measures by the Ministry of Education.
County Leaders Call for Swift Justice
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayubu Savula condemned the killing and demanded immediate action.
“A school principal has been found murdered, and his body dumped in a river. We want clear answers on what happened from the accident scene to where his body was found,” said Savula.
“If a Member of Parliament, an MCA, or even I, Savula, was involved, let them be arrested. No one is above the law.”
Savula’s remarks echo growing public outrage. Residents have questioned how the principal’s body ended up about seven kilometers from the accident site.
Public Outcry and Mystery Deepen
Residents of Lugari have expressed shock, saying the circumstances surrounding Shange’s death remain unclear. Many have urged police to conduct transparent investigations to prevent speculation and unrest.
The case adds to concerns about rising incidents of unexplained deaths and insecurity in Western Kenya, with community leaders calling for better investigative accountability from law enforcement agencies such as the National Police Service to expedite investigations
