President William Ruto on Thursday, March 12, made a surprise visit to the Kapsabet School for the Deaf following a tragic incident in which a septic tank collapsed, leading to the death of a student and injuries to several others.
He toured the institution alongside Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Tinderet MP Julius Melly to assess the situation and console the school community after the accident.
According to authorities, one learner was confirmed dead while ten others sustained injuries after they fell into the septic tank within the school compound.
The injured students were rushed to the Kapsabet County Referral Hospital where they are receiving treatment.
During his visit, Ruto expressed sympathy to the school community and acknowledged the challenges the institution faces, pledging government support to help rebuild the school.
“We have had the opportunity to look at your school, and I know you need some support. Because I have come here, I will leave Ksh5 million for reconstruction activities,” he said.
Preliminary reports indicated that the learners accidentally stepped onto the sewage pit while gathering near the roadside to watch the motorcade of President Ruto pass through the area.
The school is located near Kapsabet Girls High School, where the Head of State was scheduled to make an official visit.
Witnesses say the learners were among groups of students observing the passing presidential convoy when several of them unknowingly stepped onto the septic tank, which collapsed beneath them.
Residents from the surrounding community rushed to the scene and began rescue operations before police and emergency response teams arrived.
Those who were pulled out of the pit were rushed to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties, but early reports suggest that several students may have died in the incident. Some unverified accounts indicate the death toll could be at least 11 learners.
Emergency responders, including police and local rescue teams, remain at the scene as operations continue to search for survivors and assess the full extent of the tragedy.
