Call for nationwide school audit following mysterious student deaths

The untimely deaths of two Form Four students at Ramba Boys’ High School in Siaya County have prompted Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda to urge a comprehensive review of school infrastructure across the country.

In his request to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Education, Senator Ojienda called for swift intervention from the government and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the tragedy.

As a result, the senator is pushing for a thorough nationwide inspection of sanitation and infrastructure in schools to evaluate adherence to safety standards.

He also urged the government to respond swiftly to the incident at Ramba Boys High School and to outline the steps the Ministry of Education is taking to assist the bereaved families.

Senator Ojienda has also demanded accountability for negligence leading to the collapse and institutional reforms to ensure such a preventable loss of life never happens again

Meanwhile, the Senator drew attention to the continued neglect of rural schools, urging the government to implement a focused plan aimed at upgrading sanitation infrastructure in all counties.

He also extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding students in all learning environments.

The tragedy occurred on March 22, 2025, when a septic tank located within the school premises gave way as several students stood on top of it. The collapse claimed the lives of two students and left two others with serious injuries.

According to initial reports, a group of students had gathered on the tank when it suddenly caved in, trapping four, two fatally and two who were critically injured.

In response, students staged protests demanding the immediate removal of their principal. The demonstrations escalated rapidly, culminating in the burning of a security post near the school’s main entrance.

This wave of unrest led to the indefinite shutdown of the school.

However, a resolution came on Monday, May 7, when Dr. Patrick Odhiambo was officially appointed as the school’s new Chief Principal.

A gruesome discovery forced Evojo Primary School in Vihiga County to close its doors indefinitely after a dismembered body was found in a latrine on Tuesday, May 6.

According to Deputy Head Teacher Oscar Changilwa, the school had only just reopened on May 5 following a break to mourn and bury their late head teacher.

The shocking incident unfolded when a pupil went to use the latrine and rushed back to report having seen a human head inside.

"This is heartbreaking," Changilwa said.

"We had only resumed lessons yesterday after laying our head teacher to rest, and now we’re faced with another tragedy."