Two siblings drown as school floods after heavy downpour

Two siblings drown as school floods after heavy downpour.

Two siblings drowned in flood waters within their school compound following a heavy rains yesterday.

Eric Marisa, four, and his three-year-old sister Mwanahamisi Salama, pupils at Shekemu Christian Academy at Dzombo in Lungalunga, drowned when they tried to swim, reports indicated.

Their father Tsuma Kengo, who had been living with them since separating from his wife, blamed the deaths on "negligence" by the school management. He said he received the news while in Mombasa, where he works as a boda boda rider.

It was more painful for Kengo, as he lost two other children a year ago.

"I am calling on the authorities to investigate deaths of my children and take action against the school for negligence. They failed to protect the children I had entrusted in their care," said a distraught Kengo.

The school, through head teacher Patricia Nyawa, said the children sneaked out of class while the lessons were on and went swimming.

"The children did not die because of laxity by the school management to protect them. All in all, we send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family," said Ms Nyawa.

Area Deputy County Commissioner Josphat Biwott said the school's officials had been interrogated.

He urged parents to be cautious and accompany small children to school.