Protest at Njoro Girls High School After Death of Form Four Student
Tension erupted at Njoro Girls High School in Nakuru County after the death of an 18-year-old Form Four student, prompting protests by parents and local residents demanding accountability from the school administration.
The student, identified as Brenda Akinyi, was taken to Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital after falling ill while at school and later died at the facility. The circumstances surrounding her illness and treatment remain unclear.
A crowd of parents and community members gathered at the school gates to seek answers over what they described as delayed medical attention and a lack of communication from the school. Witnesses said police were called in to disperse the demonstrators after a brief standoff.
According to the family, the school did not inform them in a timely manner despite living only a short distance from the institution. Allan Otieno, Brenda’s brother, learned later on that his sister had been unwell for several days and was reportedly treated with painkillers before her condition worsened.
At the family home, Brenda’s mother expressed deep grief and criticized the response by school authorities. Her brother questioned why the family was not contacted earlier, suggesting that earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy.
Some parents who joined the protests claimed Brenda’s death was not an isolated incident, alleging other students had died under similar circumstances at the school in recent years. They called for an independent investigation into the school’s handling of student health emergencies.
The Nakuru County Director of Education dismissed claims that the school was negligent, stating that preliminary records indicate Brenda had a history of illness and that established procedures were being followed. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death as investigations continue.
Authorities have closed Njoro Girls High School indefinitely as investigations proceed and as officials work to address concerns raised by families and the wider community.
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