Egerton University students Brian Atei and Samwel Mogoko are being hailed as heroes after their quick actions saved a local teacher following a head-on collision outside the university’s main gate. The accident occurred on Wednesday, 4th September 2024, at around 7:30 PM, involving a private car and a Mau-Narok matatu.
The private car, carrying a primary school headteacher Mr Limo from Njoro Subcounty, sustained serious damage. Atei and Mogoko, both first-year students, were passing by when they witnessed the crash.
Acting quickly, they smashed the vehicle's windshield to free the injured teacher and organized boda boda transport to rush the victim to Njoro Subcounty Hospital. They later assisted in transferring the teacher to Nakuru PGH.
Chief Security Egerton University Mr Frederick Gichuki confirmed the incident and commended the two students and the community for showing the service to one another.
"This is a kind gesture from the students and this helped us to link up with other security organs around the University," said the Chief Security.
When reached for comment, Brian Atei, a Bachelor of Commerce student, shared some of the challenges they faced during the rescue, "Some of the challenges were that it was hard for us to get an ambulance or a vehicle to take some of the victims to hospital. Plus, some of the drivers neglected us when we stopped them. Consequently, we were affected psychologically to witness such an incident." He added, "Yes, it was so traumatizing. I was with my friend, also an Egerton student, coming from town in a tuk-tuk. We were pushed to help because we witnessed it, and at that time, nobody was there to offer help."
Atei also mentioned that the victim’s family expressed their gratitude,"The family was really happy that we saved their loved one—especially his wife." He went on to say, "My friend called the emergency number 999 while I took him to the hospital.
He noted that the other injured people were also assisted by the friend he left on the scene while waiting for the police.
" I don’t have much to say generally, but I’m happy that we saved many souls," he quiped.
Prof. Nzula Kitaka, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization at Egerton University, commended the students for their bravery and quick thinking.
"We are incredibly proud of Brian Atei and Samwel Mogoko. Their swift actions exemplify the values we hold at Egerton—compassion, responsibility, and leadership. They showed extraordinary courage in a life-threatening situation," said Prof. Kitaka.
The incident has drawn widespread admiration, with many praising the students for their heroism.
By Kurian Musa
Communication Officer, Egerton University.
