The Mbale community has been left in shock following the arrest of a Senior Three student from Mbale High School accused of murdering his classmate, 19-year-old Shafik Wasike, in a violent stabbing incident last month.
The suspect, identified as Kairoki, had been on the run since July 28th, the day Wasike was fatally attacked near Amber Stores in the Indian Quarters. According to police, the two students got into a fight on their way home from school before Kairoki allegedly pulled out a sharp weapon and stabbed Wasike.
Witnesses and fellow students rushed the injured teenager to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, but doctors were unable to save him. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the school, leaving family, friends, and the entire community in deep mourning.
For nearly a month, Kairoki managed to evade capture. However, following a community tip-off, police tracked him down in hiding at Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District, where he was finally arrested.
SP Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest and revealed that the suspect is currently being held at Mbale City Police. “He will be charged with murder and presented before court to face justice,” Taitika said.
Wasike, a resident of Bujoloto, Nkoma Ward in Mbale City, was described by relatives and friends as a humble, hardworking student with big dreams of completing school and supporting his family. His burial in Kabwangasi Town Council drew hundreds of mourners who gathered to pay their last respects.
The tragic incident has intensified calls for urgent action to address the growing violence among school-going youth. Parents, teachers, and community leaders are urging stronger interventions to protect young learners and ensure schools remain safe environments for education.
