Njoro Girls Senior School in Nakuru County has been closed indefinitely following unrest after the death of a Form Four student, Brenda Akinyi, whose family has accused the school of negligence.
Tension flared at the school on Monday as residents and parents staged protests demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the 18-year-old’s death.
Police dispersed crowds that had gathered outside the institution, leading to a brief standoff as demonstrations escalated.
Brenda died at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital after reportedly falling ill while at school.
Her family claims she did not receive timely medical attention and that they were not informed promptly about her condition.
Relatives said the family lives only a short distance from the school and could have intervened earlier had they been notified.
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.
He questioned why the family was not contacted sooner despite their proximity to the school.
At the family home, Brenda’s mother, Millicent Anyango, expressed grief and frustration, blaming what she described as a delayed response for her daughter’s death.
She said she only learnt the seriousness of the illness when it was too late.
Some parents who joined the protests claimed the case was not isolated, alleging 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 claims of negligence by the school, saying preliminary records indicate Brenda had a history of illness. Education officials said due process would be followed to establish the facts surrounding her death.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of death as investigations continue.
Source citizen digital
