Siaya County, Kenya| A tragic incident at Ramba High School in Asembo, Rarieda Constituency, has left two families in mourning after two Form Four students lost their lives upon falling into an uncovered septic tank.
The event, which unfolded on the evening of Saturday, March 22, has sparked outrage among students, parents, and the local community, with allegations emerging that prior warnings about the hazardous state of the septic tank were ignored by the school administration.
The Incident
According to eyewitness accounts, the two students, identified as Ryan and David, were standing near a pit latrine, waiting for a friend to finish using the facility before heading to evening preps. Suddenly, the septic tank slab caved in, plunging the boys into the dangerous pit.
Reports indicate that the rescue operation was significantly delayed. The bodies of the two students were reportedly retrieved at 4:00 AM, nearly ten hours after the accident, due to a lack of proper equipment at the school.
The machinery needed to drain the septic tank arrived at the school around 3:00 AM, further compounding the tragedy.
School Chaos and Protests
Following the tragic deaths, the school was thrown into turmoil. Grief quickly turned into anger as students began rioting, smashing windows and other school property in protest.
The commotion attracted villagers and parents, who rushed to the school demanding answers. However, the school administration locked the gates, preventing them from entering, escalating tensions further.
In response, villagers began hurling stones at the school in frustration. Some students attempted to flee by climbing over the fence, while others sustained injuries during the chaotic scenes.
Police were called in to restore order but allegedly used tear gas to disperse the students, intensifying the already volatile situation.
Some students were hit by tear gas canisters in the dark and rainy conditions, leading to even more injuries. Several students were rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
Concerns Over Negligence
The deaths of the two students have raised serious concerns about negligence and safety at Ramba High School.
Allegations have surfaced that students had repeatedly reported the deteriorating condition of the septic tank to the school administration, yet no action was taken.
A grieving parent expressed frustration, questioning why necessary repairs were not made despite the government capitation funds allocated for school maintenance.
“Why can’t everyone play their roles accordingly? If the administration had acted on the students’ concerns, we wouldn’t be mourning these innocent lives today,” one parent lamented.
Emotional Toll on Families and Students
The tragedy has left parents and students in deep sorrow. One parent, who initially feared that their own child was among the victims, described the emotional turmoil upon hearing the news:
“When I got the call, I had just stepped out of the bathroom. My whole body shook, and I collapsed to my knees, crying. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep. I stayed awake all night until I finally reached my son in the morning. He is safe but deeply traumatized.”
The two students’ families are now left devastated, mourning the loss of their children whose lives were cut short in such an avoidable incident.
School Closure and Next Steps
Following the unrest, Ramba High School has been closed indefinitely, and students have been sent home.
Parents and community members are now calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.
Authorities are yet to release a comprehensive report on the incident. However, pressure is mounting on the school board and the Ministry of Education to take responsibility and put in place measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Call for Justice
As investigations continue, many are demanding that legal action be taken against those responsible for failing to address the safety concerns that led to the deaths.
“This tragedy could have been avoided. Someone must be held accountable. We cannot allow such negligence to take more innocent lives,” said a concerned parent.
The Ramba High School tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the importance of school safety and the devastating consequences of administrative negligence.
As the affected families mourn their loss, the entire community remains united in grief and demands for justice.
May the souls of Ryan and David rest in peace.
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