Principal Missing After Early Morning Crash on Eldoret–Malaba Highway

Police in Kakamega County are investigating the disappearance of a secondary school principal who went missing after a road accident on Monday morning along the Eldoret–Malaba Highway.

Simon Isiaho Shange, the head of Munyuki Secondary School, was travelling to collect Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) papers when his car, a Toyota saloon registered KBC 778S, collided with a truck near Munge stage, a section of the road known for frequent accidents. The crash occurred shortly after 5:30 am. Witnesses said Mr Shange was seen leaving the wrecked vehicle but has not been found since.

A passer-by identified as Kibisu told police he helped Mr Shange out of the vehicle through the passenger side. He said that when he crossed the road briefly to avoid oil spilt on the tarmac, Mr Shange disappeared.

The truck driver involved in the accident confirmed that only two vehicles were present and that the principal appeared uninjured, declining medical help. The driver said that when he returned to check on him after securing his truck, Mr Shange was gone.

One bystander reportedly claimed to have seen the principal leave on a motorcycle, though this account remains unconfirmed. Police in Lugari have launched an investigation, and a missing person report was filed at Lumakanda Police Station on 4 November.

Family members have searched nearby hospitals and mortuaries without success. Mr Shange’s mobile phone remains switched off, and no further sightings have been reported.

Investigators recovered a personal diary from his home in Soweto Centre, Matunda, Kitale. The entry for the day of his disappearance read: “Prayer/devotion, Joshua 1:9. Be courageous. Our students at Munyuki H commence KCSE. Fuel from Kipkaren River and Turbo for the whole week.”

His son, Barry Isiaho, said the diary was found in the unlocked house, which was later secured by the school bursar. CCTV footage from a Rubis petrol station showed Mr Shange refuelling his vehicle between 5:02 am and 5:05 am, shortly before the crash.

He was wearing a blue jumper over a white shirt with dark trousers, details police say could assist in identification.