The death of a student at Sigalagala National Polytechnic in late June has ignited a storm of grief, protest, and outrage across the institution, with students accusing the administration of negligence and raising serious concerns about the quality and urgency of healthcare services provided within the campus.
According to information circulating on social media and eyewitness accounts, Livingstone Omanga, who had reportedly been complaining of severe stomach pains, was rushed to the institution’s clinic by concerned colleagues but instead of receiving immediate medical attention, it is alleged that the nurse on duty declined to act without first contacting the school’s administration, insisting that approval had to be sought before proceeding with any form of treatment.
As a result of this delay, the Omanga’s condition continued to deteriorate, and he was eventually referred to Kisumu Sub-County Hospital.
Tragically, he succumbed shortly thereafter, a loss that many believe could have been avoided had urgent care been administered when he first arrived at the school clinic.
In the wake of the Omanga’s death, unrest quickly spread throughout the institution.
On Sunday, June 30th, students staged protests within the campus grounds, demanding justice for their fallen comrade and calling for immediate reforms in how health-related emergencies are handled within the school.
They expressed frustration not only at the specific incident but also at what they describe as a longstanding culture of indifference and bureaucracy within the institution’s support systems.
“Why do we have a clinic if it cannot help us in emergencies?,” one visibly emotional student shared during the demonstrations.
Student-led forums and class representatives have vowed to continue seeking answers, including pushing for a formal inquiry into the events surrounding his final hours and the broader issue of accountability in health service delivery at the polytechnic.
The deceased, who was reportedly just weeks away from completing his program and had been actively involved in student leadership, has been remembered fondly by classmates, with tributes flooding online spaces from friends, lecturers, and fellow student leaders.
All eyes are now on the institution’s administration, with growing pressure from students, parents, and the wider public demanding transparency, accountability, and immediate reforms to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.
