Nyamira, Kenya – Tragedy struck Sironga Girls’ High School on Saturday morning when a Form 4 student, Mitchelle Cheptoo, took her own life in a shocking incident.
According to school principal Jane Nyanumba, Mitchelle, a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate, showed no signs of distress beforehand. “She was okay and even slept well. We are shocked and disturbed by this incident,” Nyanumba said.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 am when Mitchelle jumped from the second floor of the school’s administration block. She was rushed to Nyamira County Referral Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. “We are working to establish the cause of this tragic event,” said Nyamira South Deputy County Commissioner Florence Obunga.
West Mugirango MP Steve M. Mogaka expressed condolences to Mitchelle’s family and called for increased attention to mental health awareness in schools. “Mental health has become a leading killer disease among youth. We must take action to prevent such incidents,” Mogaka said.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the school community, with students, teachers, and parents struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Mitchelle’s death highlights concerns about mental health support for students, particularly during exam periods.
