A devastating incident occurred at Sironga Girls’ High School on Saturday morning, leaving the school community in shock and grief.
Mitchelle Cheptoo, a Form Four student and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate, tragically lost her life after jumping from the second floor of the school’s administration block.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident happened around 5:00 am as students were preparing for morning devotion.
School Principal Jane Nyanumba confirmed that Mitchelle was rushed to Nyamira County Referral Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“Mitchelle was among the students preparing to sit for their KCSE exams in October. She seemed okay and had slept well. We are shocked and disturbed by this incident,” Principal Nyanumba said.
Nyamira South Deputy County Commissioner Florence Obunga also commented on the incident, stating, “We received reports that the girl had attempted suicide and was taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries.”
Local authorities and the school’s counseling department are investigating the incident to determine the underlying causes.
Principal Nyanumba noted that Mitchelle was a quiet student who didn’t show any signs of distress or share her struggles with anyone.
West Mugirango Member of Parliament Steve M. Mogaka expressed his condolences to Mitchelle’s family and the school community. He emphasized the need for increased focus on mental health and counseling in schools to prevent similar tragedies.
“Mental health has become a leading killer disease among our youth. I will draft a motion to include counseling lessons in the curriculum to reduce suicide cases,” MP Mogaka said.
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