Shock as examination official dies

The ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Examination was yesterday temporarily thrown into disarray in Bomet County after an officer in charge of distribution and receipt collapsed and died.

Philemon Koech was headed to the armoury at Bomet Police Station when he reportedly felt dizzy and decided to rest on a bench in a hotel.

According to the County Director of Education Hellen Nyangau, Koech collapsed on the bench and was rushed to Tenwek Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. “It is indeed shocking that we lost one of our officers who was in charge of distributing and receiving the examination. His death created some confusion but everything was brought under control,” said Ms Nyangau.

She said Koech was a tutor at Teacher Advisory Centre in Bomet township and came from Tarakwa village.
She revealed the doctors said the teacher died of heart attack.

“The doctors said the teachers died of heart attack but the family said he had a history of diabetes and high blood pressure,” said the director in her office. Nyangau moved to assure the candidates that all was well despite the unfortunate occurrence. “We ask candidates not to panic as everything is in place. Our office will ensure all  will sit for their exam on time,” she said.

Kenya National Union of Teachers Bomet Chapter termed the fallen teacher as dedicated and always punctual in executing his duties.

Branch Executive Secretary Malel Langat said they received the news with utter shock since the teacher had left his home in high spirits. “We want to appeal to examination council to assist the family of the deceased because he lost his life in the line of duty,” he said.