Protests rock Njoro Girls after student’s mysterious death
A somber mood engulfed Njoro Girls High School in Nakuru County today following protests by parents and local residents over the death of a Form Four student, Brenda Akinyi, whose passing has raised serious questions about the school’s handling of student health emergencies.
Brenda, 18, died at the Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital after reportedly falling ill while at school. However, the circumstances surrounding her illness, treatment, and eventual transfer to hospital remain unclear, triggering public anger and demands for answers.
The protests briefly escalated into a standoff with police, who dispersed crowds that had gathered at the school gates.
Demonstrators accused the school administration of negligence, alleging delays in seeking proper medical attention and failure to promptly inform the family of Brenda’s deteriorating condition.
Family members insist they were kept in the dark despite living only a short distance from the school.
Brenda’s brother, Allan Otieno, said he later learned that his sister had been unwell for several days and was allegedly treated with painkillers instead of being referred for advanced care. He questioned why the school did not alert the family earlier, noting that timely intervention might have changed the outcome.
At the family’s home, Brenda’s mother, Millicent Anyango, expressed deep anguish and blamed what she termed as delayed medical response for her daughter’s death.
She said she was only notified when Brenda’s condition had become critical, leaving the family powerless to act.
The incident has reignited wider concerns among parents, some of whom claim that Brenda’s death is not an isolated case. Protesters alleged that other students have previously died under similar circumstances at the school, calling for an independent investigation into the institution’s health and emergency response protocols.
Education authorities, however, have urged caution. Nakuru County Director of Education dismissed allegations of negligence, stating that preliminary information suggests Brenda had a pre-existing medical condition.
Officials maintained that established procedures were followed and that investigations would determine whether any lapses occurred.
An autopsy scheduled for Tuesday is expected to establish the cause of death and clarify whether medical, administrative, or systemic failures contributed to the tragedy.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on education and health authorities to ensure transparency and accountability, amid growing public concern over student welfare in boarding schools.
