Student death triggers Nairobi Road School closure amid bullying claims

Students from Nairobi Road Secondary School march solemnly along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway on July 28, 2025, demanding justice for their fallen classmate, Peter Kahemba. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Nairobi Road Secondary School in Nakuru City was on Monday closed indefinitely following a student protest over the death of their colleague.

The deceased was allegedly assaulted and later struck by a speeding vehicle. The students began their protest at around 8 a.m. along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, demanding accountability and the arrest of students from another school who were allegedly involved in the assault.

According to students who spoke with The Standard, Peter Kahembe, a Form Four candidate, was bullied by learners from another school.

"It started as bullying; a student who had transferred to our school was targeting Kahembe, with support from his former schoolmates. They targeted him on Friday," one student said.

Kahembe reportedly tried to escape the bullying but was confronted by another group from a different school, who assaulted him. Following the attack, he attempted to flee but was struck by a speeding vehicle heading towards Nakuru.

He was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries on Saturday while receiving treatment at Nakuru County Hospital.

"We have tried to speak to our teachers to help us get justice for Kahembe, but they say their hands are tied. It’s up to us to demand justice for our colleague for the sake of his family," another student expressed.

The school principal, Robert Ndirangu, attempted to calm the students, but his efforts were unsuccessful as the frustrated students demanded his transfer from the school.

"You have been released; the school has been closed. Your case has been heard," Ndirangu stated.

The students' accounts contradicted those of Geoffrey Mugo, a member of the school board, who claimed that the student was merely struck by a speeding vehicle.

He alleged that Kahembe was rushed to the hospital after being hit but died later, stating that the students were mourning their loss.

"We came to assess the situation following the protest; the school has been closed," Mugo said.

He denied the allegations that Kahembe was assaulted before being hit and asserted that the student was struck while crossing the road.

Nakuru East Sub-County Police Commander Samson Andaje confirmed that a report had been filed regarding the case, stating that investigations are ongoing.

He urged the students to be patient, assuring them that justice would be served and the perpetrators would be caught.