Students and the teaching fraternity in Bomet County were on Tuesday, March 5, plunged into mourning following the sudden death of a chief principal.
The principal of Kaplong Boys High School, identified as Mike Yator, was found lifeless in his house, which happens to be within the school premises.
His body was discovered on the morning of Tuesday, March 4, after he failed to report to work, sparking concern over his wellbeing.
According to Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) official Paul Kimetto, the principal appeared to be in good health in the days leading up to his demise, and was in jovial spirits as he interacted with students coming back to school after half term.
On Monday, around 9:30 pm, the principal reportedly said he felt fatigued, but brushed off any health concerns that evening. The following morning, his body was discovered after he failed to show up to work.
Following the death, Kimetto sent a request to the authorities, calling for speedy investigations into the sudden death of the school head.
Executive Secretary Mary Rotich and Treasurer Zablon Kipkoech Rono, KUPPET officials from neighbouring Kericho county, also expressed their shock and grief at Yator's sudden death.
Confirming the death, Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga confirmed that an investigation was underway to establish the late Yator's cause of death.
Bomet governor Hillary Barchok was among the first people to mourn the late principal, describing him as a passionate and dedicated educator who was loved by students, colleagues and the entire Kaplong community and that under his leadership, Kaplong Boys towered both in academics and extra-curricular activities.
"On behalf of the people of Bomet and my behalf I send our condolences to his family, students, parents, colleagues, the teaching fraternity, Old Boys and the Kaplong community in general," Barchok shared on social media.
This was the second high-profile passing of a top education official, coming just weeks after Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA) chairperson, Johnson Nzioka tragically passed away.
Nzioka, who was until his passing a headteacher at Donholm Primary School in Nairobi, passed on in a tragic accident along Mombasa Road on Sunday afternoon.
