A three-year-old pupil has died under unclear circumstances at a private school in Gilgil, Nakuru County, sparking grief and raising serious concerns over child safety.
The minor, identified as Faiz Faraji, is reported to have died while at Gilgil Hills Academy, where he had been enrolled.
According to initial accounts from the school, the child was found in a fish pond within the compound, with suggestions that he may have drowned. However, this explanation has since been disputed by the family following a postmortem examination.
Relatives say the autopsy findings did not support drowning as the cause of death, claiming there was no evidence of water in the child’s body. The contradiction has intensified suspicion over the exact circumstances leading to the boy’s death.
Family members further allege that the child had gone missing while under the school’s supervision and was later found in unclear conditions. They have questioned how such a young pupil could disappear unnoticed and demanded a clear account from the institution.
The school is also facing scrutiny over its handling of the incident, including how and when the family was informed. Reports indicate the parents received a call from the school stating that their child had been rushed to hospital, but details surrounding the incident remained unclear.
Police have launched investigations to determine the cause of death and establish whether there was any negligence on the part of the school. Detectives are expected to question staff and review safety measures at the institution.
The incident has triggered tension and emotional scenes among family members, who are now calling for justice and accountability.
The death has also renewed concerns about the safety of young children in schools, with parents urging stricter supervision and improved safety standards for pre-primary learners.
