Nyakundi Report understands that on 20 November 2018, Gatitu village in Kandara Sub County was thrown into mourning after Juliano Kanyonyo, a 15-year-old Gatitu Primary School candidate, was found dead in his room by his mother.
Kanyonyo had scored 376 marks in the KCPE, placing him third in his school behind Grace Nyambura, who scored 377, and Henry Mwaura, who topped the school with 382 marks.
His uncle, Joseph Kamande, said the boy had undergone circumcision the previous Monday and was nearing the end of his bed rest when he died. Relatives later found him dead on Sunday morning, with bloody foam coming from his mouth.
Kamande described the pupil as hardworking and determined, and said the family was struggling to understand how a boy they believed was healthy could die so suddenly.
“I cannot explain the shock we have gone through because he was a perfectly healthy boy and his circumcision wounds were almost healed,” he said.
He added that receiving the KCPE results after the death made the loss even harder for the family, because Kanyonyo would not be able to celebrate his performance.
The body was taken to Thika Level 5 Hospital, where an autopsy was expected to establish the cause of death.
Gatitu Primary School head teacher Robert Muchara also said he was shocked by the death, describing the pupil as bright and disciplined.
Elsewhere in Murang’a County, Muchiri Brian Nderitu of Elite Academy emerged as the best candidate, while Technology Primary School was reported as the best performing school. The school had more than 20 pupils scoring above 400 marks, with Wachira Micky Muchoki leading on 437, followed by Mwangi Ken Maina on 431 and Nelson Kamunyo on 430.
Bishop Kairo Academy’s top pupil, Laulynn Wambui, scored 431 marks. Gloria Wanyaga of Green Cottage Academy scored 429, while Joan Waiyego of Bishop Perlo Girls Boarding School scored 420.
— ALICE WAITHERA
