Mount Kenya University(MKU) is stepping up efforts to offer guidance and counselling after a 19-year-old student was stabbed to death.
Celestine Muvengei Kitondo was found in a pool of blood at Adeline Ladies Hostels opposite Thika High School with multiple stab wounds all over her body writhing in pain.
In a statement, MKU Principal in charge of School Affairs, Peter Waweru says the institution has taken measures to ensure that all the affected students are put under the best care for their well being.
“All the affected students including those that witnessed the incident, have all been taken under guidance and counselling to ensure these students are put under the best care for their well being,” he said.
According to Waweru, the institution fully understands how such kind of trauma can affect young minds and thus measures have been put in place.
Additionally, he said that the institution has also come up with ways to support mental well-being, love affairs and handling rejections for all students.
“Sometime last year, Mount Kenya University (MKU) launched a new program to tackle mental health issues among its students and youth in society,” he said.
The fully-fledged programme aims to get to the root of mental health challenges blamed for a worrying surge in reported cases of violence, criminality and bizarre incidents involving young people.
The project is under the stewardship of MKU co-founder and board member Dr Jane Nyutu.
The university has accorded all the affected students who were residing outside of the main campus when the incident happened free accommodation to closely monitor and ensure all their counselling needs are being met.
Celestine is said to have been stabbed by an unknown male adult suspected to be the boyfriend.
“The assailant who was dressed in a jacket, cap and mask entered the said hostel and asked the five ladies who amongst them was Celestine.
After identifying herself, the said assailant immediately started stabbing her where she sustained deep stub wounds in the chest, back, head and limbs.” Our source intimated.
The roommates screamed for help but the suspect escaped.
The victim was rushed to Thika Level 5 Hospital where she was attended to before succumbing to the injuries.
The police recovered a kitchen knife with blood stains and has been kept as an exhibit.
Celestine was a second year student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree course in Community Development.