By News Desk
The is deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic and untimely death of a Grade 9 learner at Lakewood School in Utawala, Embakasi. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, friends, the school community, and all Kenyans mourning the loss of young Randy Mathenge.
The National Parents Association is urgently calling upon the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to move with speed, professionalism, and transparency in investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. The death of a child while under the care and protection of a school raises serious and urgent questions that must be fully answered without delay.
NPA National Chairman, Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa, has reiterated the need for full cooperation between investigators, the school administration, and all relevant stakeholders to establish the truth. He emphasized that transparency and accountability are critical in helping the family and the public understand what truly transpired. He further urged anyone with relevant information to fully cooperate with investigative authorities to ensure the facts are uncovered. According to him, only a thorough and credible investigation will restore public confidence and deliver justice for the deceased learner and his grieving family.
As parents and stakeholders in education, the association is raising critical concerns. What exactly happened to the learner? Were all safety and supervision protocols followed within the school environment? Was there any negligence, omission, or lapse in duty of care that may have contributed to this tragedy? Who was responsible for the learner’s welfare at the time of the incident? These are questions that must be addressed for the sake of the grieving family and the nation at large.
The NPA is urging the DCI to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation, including preservation of evidence, recording of statements from all relevant persons, review of school records and timelines, and scrutiny of supervision procedures. Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, especially in cases involving minors under institutional care.
This tragedy is even more painful as the deceased was the first-born child in his family. The emotional pain, shock, and devastation experienced by his parents and loved ones are unimaginable. No parent expects to receive news of a child’s death while they are under school supervision. The hopes, dreams, and aspirations invested in this young life have been painfully cut short.
Teachers and school administrators carry a fundamental duty of care to all learners entrusted to them. They must always be prepared to account for incidents occurring within school premises, particularly those involving serious harm or loss of life. Parents across Kenya continue to question when accountability and safety standards in learning institutions will be fully strengthened to prevent such heartbreaking occurrences.
While investigations are ongoing, the National Parents Association appeals to the public, education stakeholders, and the media to remain calm and allow investigative agencies sufficient time to establish the facts. Speculation at this stage risks undermining the integrity of the investigation.
The death of the 14-year-old learner is a profound loss not only to his family but also to the nation. His life held promise, potential, and a future that has been tragically cut short. Kenya has lost a young soul whose contribution to society can only be imagined.
The National Parents Association stands in solidarity with the bereaved family during this painful period and prays for strength, comfort, and peace as they come to terms with this devastating loss.
May the soul of the departed young learner rest in eternal peace.
