Kenyans are calling for action after a woman allegedly stabbed her boyfriend, a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student, Benedict Kiptoo, 24, to death just days before his graduation.
Kiptoo, a third-year student at KMTC’s Kitale campus, was set to graduate on December 5, marking a promising start to his medical career. However, a fatal argument, reportedly stemming from a suspected love triangle, ended his life prematurely. The altercation occurred after Kiptoo returned home late, escalating into a violent confrontation.
This incident highlights the often-overlooked issue of violence against men in Kenya. Cases like Kiptoo’s are not isolated. In 2018, rugby player Mike Okombe was fatally stabbed by his girlfriend, while public figures such as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula have faced public ridicule when disclosing instances of domestic abuse. In another notable case, Simon Kiguta, a survivor of physical abuse by his wife, was left with lasting scars after enduring years of violence.
Statistics reveal that while 40% of Kenyan women report experiencing physical violence, nearly 18% of men also face similar abuse. However, male victims are often reluctant to report incidents due to cultural expectations of masculinity and a lack of supportive resources.
Sam Oduor is the founder and one of the editors at WKT. With a strong background in Communication and Journalism, Sam is an experienced digital media expert currently building a team of young professionals dedicated to telling the story of our community in a unique, authentic way.