KCSE candidate dies while in hospital

A KCSE candidate has died while sitting her exam at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital.

The student of Mabusi Secondary School in Kanduyi Constituency died from bacterial infection complications.

Kellan Wanyonyi, 22, is said to have been taken to the hospital on Sunday night suffering from acute Septicemia, a bacterial infection.

Bungoma County Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Magrina Mayama, said the candidate was brought in with malaria and Septicemia symptoms.

Dr Mayama said they conducted malaria tests which turned negative and started treating her for the bacterial infection.

She said that the candidate proceeded to sit her Monday papers without any complications as they continued to monitor her situation.

"The patient was brought in with malaria and bacterial complications. The malaria results came back negative and was placed on bacterial treatment and she managed to sit her examinations on Monday," she said.

Dr Mayama added that on Tuesday morning she took her breakfast and prepared to sit for her examinations.

She said the candidate then proceeded to start her paper before her situation worsened.

Dr Mayama further said that the nurse who was with her called a doctor and tried to resuscitate her but unfortunately succumbed to the disease.

"She had her breakfast well and was jovial and assured us that she would sit her paper and a room organised for her. Later on her situation changed and she even developed breathing complications but unfortunately she succumbed at 10am," she said.

However, her father, Justus Wanyonyi, said the candidate might have tried to procure an abortion which could have led to her death.

Mr Wanyonyi said his daughter might have been pregnant and was trying to hide it from the parents.

He said he might have consulted somebody who prescribed certain herbs which gave her a severe head and stomach aches.

"She might have been trying to conceal that she is pregnant and that is why we suspect she might have taken some herbs. It is a deep loss to us because we did not expect this," said Mr Wanyonyi.

However, Dr Mayama, said there were indications that the candidate might have been pregnant adding that the relatives and patient had not disclosed that history.

She said when the deceased was brought in she was complaining of headaches and malaria symptoms.

She said Septicemia was a bacterial infection that entered the body through wounds and when the bacteria multiplies within the blood stream it brings about the complications.

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