Senator Nyamu Pushes for Senate Probe into Grade 6 Pupil’s School Pool Death
On Wednesday, nominated Senator Karen Nyamu urged the Senate Committee on Education to launch an investigation into the tragic passing of a Grade 6 student who drowned in a school swimming pool. Earlier in the week, Senator Karen Nyamu visited the child’s family in Bahati and promised to ensure that they receive justice for their loss.
The Senator stated that she was invoking Standing Order 53 (11) to request a statement from the Standing Committee on Education concerning the reported death of Master Harders Kanyoru Mutahi, a Grade 6 student at Kimathi Primary School in Hahati, Makadura Constituency, Nairobi City County, allegedly in the school’s swimming pool on October 11, 2023.
Senator Nyamu issued a set of demands, calling on the Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The Senator demanded that a comprehensive report be provided on the school’s response upon confirming the death, the procedures for informing the relevant parties, the specifics of incident reporting, and the immediate actions taken by the authorities, including the Ministry of Education.
Furthermore, the Senator urged the Committee to look into allegations that the school may be interfering with the investigation, potentially coaching witnesses. She also called for an examination of whether the institution has been pressuring and intimidating students who may have witnessed the incident.
According to her, claims that the headteacher abused their power should be looked into. These include claims of religious discrimination and charging too much for remedial teaching, which goes against what the Ministry of Education says should happen.
Senator Nyamu additionally requested that the Ministry of Education outline the actions it plans to take to provide justice to the grieving family, including compensation.
She added that there should be a delineation of the steps that both the school management and the Ministry of Education plan to take in order to improve the security, safety, and welfare of students within the primary school and similar institutions. Simultaneously, they should consider the option of relocating the deceased student’s siblings, who might be suffering from trauma as well as fearing potential victimization and psychological distress.
According to the senator, the student reportedly passed away in the school swimming pool on October 11, 2023.
“The circumstances surrounding the tragic death of this young soul and the school’s subsequent actions have been deeply distressing and disturbing,” Senator Nyamu expressed during her visit to the family.
Senator Nyamu Pushes for Senate Probe into Grade 6 Pupil’s School Pool Death
