On 20 November 2018, a family in Kandara subcounty was left in mourning after Juliano Kanyonyo, a 15-year-old KCPE candidate from Gatitu Primary School, was found dead in his room by his mother.
Kanyonyo had emerged as the third-best pupil at the school with 376 marks. Henry Mwaura led the school with 382 marks, while Grace Nyambura followed with 377.
His uncle, Joseph Kamande, said Kanyonyo had been circumcised on Monday the previous week and had been resting at home when he died. Kamande also said blood was oozing from the boy’s mouth.
“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 the family was also pained by the timing of the results, saying it was heartbreaking to receive the good marks when Kanyonyo would not be there to celebrate them.
An autopsy was to be carried out at Thika Level 5 Hospital to establish the cause of death.
Gatitu Primary School headteacher Robert Muchara described the death as shocking and said Kanyonyo had been a bright and disciplined pupil.
In the wider Murang’a county results, Brian Nderitu of Elite Academy was named the best candidate, while Technology Primary School was the best-performing school. The school had more than 20 pupils who scored above 400 marks.
The top three candidates at Technology Primary School were Micky Muchoki with 437 marks, Ken Maina with 431, and Nelson Kamunyo with 430.
At Bishop Kairo Academy, Laulynn Wambui topped the school with 431 marks. Gloria Wanyaga of Green Cottage Academy scored 429, while Joan Waiyego of Bishop Perlo Girls Boarding School had 420.
Read: Two candidates tie with 453 marks to top KCPE
Also read: Rawlings Odhiambo, Olive Wachira top KCPE candidates
