"Stop speculations, wait for truth!" - School board says after mysterious death of Form One student

Chemase Secondary School Board of Management (BoM) now wants an independent pathologist to carry out a postmortem on the body of a student who died in the school.

Speaking to TV47 Digital on Tuesday, March 7 evening, BoM Chairperson Dr. Joel Chemiron said the only way to give the boy's family justice is if the government and an independent pathologist conduct the postmortem.

Chemiron said they decided to close the school to ease tension and anxiety in Chemase area since the student was from the neighbourhood.

“A family has lost a loved one, while we as an institution have lost a student. Let’s maintain calm and stop speculations until the truth is established,” Chemiron said.

Mysterious death

Nandi Hills Level 4 Hospital Superintendent Dr. Elikan Chirchir had on Monday, March 6 told Nation that Kelvin Kiptanui, 16, died of severe cases of pneumonia, sepsis and ulcers.

Dr. Elikan had said the boy died from these illnesses, and not the alleged corporal punishment by his teachers for stealing exams. He also said that there was no signs of physical assault on the body.

However, the report was dismissed by the boy's mother who insisted that her son was in perfect health. Local community suspect there is a plot to cover up the murder.

The school was closed indefinitely on Sunday, March 5 following the death of the student.

Kiptanui was admitted at the hospital on Friday, March 3 at around 6 pm. He was undergoing treatment when he died on Saturday, March 6 at around 11 am.

Kiptanui was barely a week old at the school, having reported late due to school fees challenges.