A 21-year-old student at Eldoret National Polytechnic, identified as Winnie Jelagat, has been found dead at her residence in Teleview Estate in an incident police say followed an alleged self-induced abortion. Authorities report she suffered severe hemorrhage and massive blood loss.

Local residents say the incident occurred on Thursday morning when friends and neighbours, unable to rouse her, went to check on Winnie. They found her clutching her phone as if trying to call for help; neighbours believe she was attempting to summon assistance but collapsed from heavy bleeding before help arrived.

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the death and urged students and young people to seek professional medical care if they are in distress. Police have opened inquiries into the circumstances of the incident.

Complications from unsafe or self-induced abortion — most commonly severe hemorrhage, infection, and organ injury — are a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prompt emergency medical attention and post-abortion care can be life-saving; national and global clinical guidance stresses that people with complications must be treated immediately and referred appropriately. (World Health Organization)

In Kenya, post-abortion care guidance and clinical curricula have been developed to standardise responses to these emergencies and reduce deaths — but access and timely care remain critical challenges. (PMC)

Friends and neighbours described the discovery as traumatic. Winnie’s family and the Polytechnic community are mourning, while police continue investigations. County police reiterated a public appeal for students to avoid self-harm and to seek professional medical help early when facing pregnancy-related or other medical emergencies.

If you or someone you know is facing an unintended pregnancy or has had an unsafe attempt at terminating a pregnancy, seek urgent medical care at the nearest health facility. National guidelines and WHO resources outline standards for emergency and post-abortion care that health providers follow. (World Health Organization)