Ministry investigating death of Kangaru Boys student after punishment

Kangaru School Principal Kiminda Wambugu said the allegations were exaggerated and referred the press to the Ministry for more information. [File, Standard]

The Ministry of Education is investigating the death of a Form Three student at Kangaru Boys in Embu County after he was allegedly beaten by a teacher.

Kennedy Fundi, 18, died on Sunday night at Nairobi Hospital where he had been fighting for his life.

The former pupil of Riandu Primary School was described as a bright student and was under sponsorship of Equity Bank’s Wings to Fly program.

His aunt and guardian Irene Ruguru Nyaga said the boy’s problems started on February 28 when he, alongside two other boys, were late for class and the teacher allegedly beat them up with a mopping stick.

Ms Nyaga said Fundi told him that the mop’s handle snapped and hit him below the knee fracturing his leg.

She said the boy braved the pain for the entire lesson and later sought treatment at the school dispensary.

On Friday March 1, the school management, according to Ms Nyaga, took him to a private hospital when an x-ray was done and the doctor requested that he remains at the facility for a while as they observe him.

“The teachers instead took him to the Embu Level Five Hospital where he was plastered,” said Ms Nyaga.

She said on Tuesday March 5, the class teacher informed her that the boy was injured and he should be taken home for medication.

She said the teacher who beat him brought him crutches but which were longer than his height and inflicted more strain on his injured leg and the limbs occasioning difficulty in breathing.

Ms Nyaga said when she visited the school on Thursday, the administration had told the boy to lie how he sustained the injury.

“I moved with him home but that night he did not sleep because of the pain. I took him to a private hospital which had taken the x-ray. The plaster was replaced and he was admitted. He had difficulty breathing and was put on oxygen. When his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Nairobi Hospital. Tests were done and he was admitted to the ICU. He was later put on a life support machine and died on Sunday night,” she said.

Ms Nyaga said she reported the matter at the Embu police station, adding the Directorate of Criminal Investigations were probing the matter.

She said a post-mortem is slated for today at Nairobi Hospital while Equity Bank had volunteered to meet all the expenses.

“He was a boy that we all loved and had high hopes in. He was well-behaved, humble and respectful. He told me the teacher was notorious for beating boys,” she said.

Embu West OCPD Julius Melly confirmed the incident had been reported to his office. He said the post-mortem report would direct their investigations.

Embu County Director of Education, James Kairu said a team drawn from the Ministry and Teacher Service Commission officials was probing the matter.

He said stern action will be taken against whoever will be found culpable. 

"A team of experts is already investigating the case and we will act as per their report," he said.

When sought for comment Kangaru School Principal Kiminda Wambugu said the allegations were exaggerated and referred the press to the Ministry for more information.

“If those exaggerations and the allegations were true this school would not be having any students," he said. 

Another parent identified as Grace Kanini told The Standard on phone that she had in February transferred her son from the school after he was allegedly beaten up by two teachers.

“I had paid the fee for the whole term but was so traumatised by his condition that I decided to transfer him. I hope the relevant agencies investigate what’s happening at the school and act,” she said.

Fundi’s death has caused uproar on social media with citizens calling for justice for him.