Fishmonger Ali Kala Batu Stabbed to Death in Naivasha’s Kasarani Estate

Ali Kala Batu, a 44-year-old fishmonger and father of three, was fatally stabbed on Friday evening in Kasarani Estate, Naivasha, while walking home from a local bar. 

Despite being rushed to Naivasha Sub-County Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries hours later. His family is now left in mourning, with his younger brother calling for a swift investigation into his death.

Batu’s killing highlights a growing pattern of violent crime in Kasarani. In recent weeks, there have been several similar incidents, including the stabbing of Jacob Nyagwara on 9 February and an assault on food vendor Agnes Kerubo. 

Many of these attacks, which are often carried out by criminals on motorbikes, involve the use of knives and the theft of valuables. In Batu’s case, his attacker stole his belongings before fleeing the scene. Local residents are increasingly concerned about their safety, as the perpetrators of these crimes remain at large.

Community members attribute the rise in violence to a combination of factors, including high unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, and poor street lighting. Some also accuse the police of turning a blind eye to the issue, with claims of corruption and insufficient patrols exacerbating the problem.

Naivasha Sub-County Police Commander Wilson Sigei confirmed that Batu’s case has been handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and efforts are underway to apprehend the suspect. The insecurity in Kasarani is part of a wider trend across Nakuru County, which ranked fourth nationally in crime prevalence in 2025. 

The county has seen a sharp increase in criminal activity, with reported cases rising from 3,492 in 2020 to 5,487 in 2024. The ongoing violence is taking a toll on families like Batu’s, who are left grappling with grief and fear.