A family in Mumias is seeking justice following the tragic death of their daughter, a Form Two student at St Mary’s Mumias Girls High School, amid allegations of negligence and a subsequent cover-up by the school’s administration.
The student, referred to as Nicole, reportedly collapsed during morning prep on Saturday. According to her mother, Gladys Omina, the school failed to take prompt action that could have saved her daughter’s life. Nicole was taken to the school’s sick bay by classmates, but the family alleges that they were informed of her condition only after it was too late to intervene.
The incident occurred just a day after the school had celebrated its exceptional performance in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. Achieving a mean score of 8.20, the students and teachers had paraded through the streets of Mumias in jubilant celebrations, led by the principal.
The grieving family claims that the school has since tried to suppress details about the events leading to Nicole’s death. Omina alleges that efforts to gather information have been met with resistance, including her abrupt removal from the class WhatsApp group, which had been a vital communication channel.
Sources close to the family suggest the school’s management is actively blocking access to key information, leaving the family in the dark about the circumstances surrounding Nicole’s collapse and eventual death.
The family is now preparing to take legal action against the institution, accusing it of negligence and an attempt to cover up the truth. Speaking about the ordeal, Omina stated, “As a parent, it’s devastating to lose a child, but what’s even more painful is the lack of accountability and transparency from those entrusted with her care.”
This tragic case raises critical questions about the protocols in place for handling medical emergencies in schools and the responsibilities of administrators in ensuring student welfare. As the family pursues legal redress, calls are growing for an independent investigation into the events surrounding Nicole’s death and the alleged cover-up.
The incident has sparked outrage among parents and local residents, many of whom are demanding that the Ministry of Education take immediate action to ensure justice for Nicole and her family.