Njoro Girls Senior School in Nakuru County has been closed indefinitely following unrest triggered by the death of a Form Four student, with the family accusing the school of negligence.
Tension escalated on Monday after parents and area residents staged protests demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the death of 18-year-old Brenda Akinyi. Police were forced to disperse crowds that had gathered outside the institution, leading to a brief standoff as demonstrations intensified.
Brenda died while receiving treatment at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital after reportedly falling ill while at school.
Family Alleges Delayed Medical Attention
The family claims the student did not receive timely medical care and that they were not informed promptly about her deteriorating condition.
According to relatives, the family lives a short distance from the school and could have intervened earlier had they been notified in time.
Brenda’s brother, Allan Otieno, said he was informed that his sister had been unwell for several days and alleged she was only given painkillers.
“Why wasn’t the family contacted earlier despite living nearby?” he questioned.
At the family home, Brenda’s mother, Millicent Anyango, expressed grief and frustration, blaming what she termed a delayed response for her daughter’s death. She said she only learnt the seriousness of the illness when it was too late.
Parents Demand Probe as Officials Respond
Some parents who joined the protests claimed the case was not isolated, alleging that other students had died under similar circumstances in recent years. They called for an independent investigation into the school’s handling of student health emergencies.
However, the Nakuru County Director of Education dismissed allegations of negligence, stating that preliminary records indicate Brenda had a history of illness. Education officials said due process would be followed to establish the facts.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of death as investigations continue.
