Shock and outrage in Lugari as missing school principal’s body found in River Kipkaren

Residents of Lugari in Kakamega County are reeling from shock and anger following the discovery of the body of Munyuki PAG Secondary School principal, Simon Isiaho Shange, days after his mysterious disappearance.

His body was found floating in the River Kipkaren on Saturday morning, November 8, sparking tension and protests in the area.

Police said the body, which appeared mutilated, was discovered several days after Shange was reported missing.

The principal had last been seen on Monday, November 3, after an alleged accident along the Eldoret–Malaba Highway, where his wrecked car was found abandoned.

His body was not at the scene, leading to growing concern among locals and colleagues before the grim discovery over the weekend.

Soon after the body was recovered and taken to the mortuary for autopsy, residents, students, and teachers took to the streets in anger, accusing police of failing to act quickly.

The demonstrations turned violent as an enraged crowd stormed Lumakanda Police Station, smashing window panes and damaging several vehicles parked within the compound. Officers were forced to disperse the protesters and restore calm.

Police have said investigations are ongoing, with detectives exploring both drowning and murder as possible causes of death.

“We are pursuing all angles, including the possibility of foul play,” said Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud, adding that a team of experts had been assigned to handle the case. He assured the public that justice would be served once the investigations were concluded.

The controversy surrounding the principal’s death has also taken a political twist. Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera has distanced himself from online claims linking him to the disappearance and death of the teacher.

Through his lawyer Danstan Omari, Nabwera has threatened to take legal action against three bloggers—George Opunga Tamata, Peter Amunga, and Simon Asievela—for defamation.

In demand letters dated between November 7 and 8, the legislator accused the bloggers of publishing false and malicious claims that he was behind the alleged accident involving Shange.

He has given them 12 hours to delete all posts from online platforms such as Malava Online and Kakamega Post, issue public apologies, and pay Sh20 million in compensation.

“Our client is unequivocal that the statements by you are false, inaccurate, and ill-intended to taint his otherwise shining name and record in the constituency,” the letters read in part. “Your publications are politically motivated and meant to drag his name into the mud.”

Meanwhile, education officials have condemned the incident and urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to fast-track the probe.

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KUPPET Kakamega Chairman Johnston Wabuti said teachers in the county are demanding accountability.

“If there is no step or a report to explain what happened, we shall be forced to disrupt the exam in this region. To withdraw all principals to demonstrate as of Tuesday,” he warned.

Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula also called for the arrest of those responsible. “We want to be told what happened from the accident scene to the river. Whoever is involved must be arrested; no one is above the law,” said Savula.

The death of the respected educator has left the Lugari community in mourning as police work to unravel the mystery surrounding his final hours.