The five Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) candidates from Arap Moi Primary School in Uasin Gishu County who died on Saturday, October 28, were the brightest students at the school and were ranked Index 1 to 5.
A requiem mass held at the school on Saturday to honour the lives of the students, was an emotional affair as parents expressed their sorrow at having lost their loved ones in one of the most unfortunate ways.
Laban Kipkoech, father to one of the students who lost his life in the tragedy was tearful as he recounted how strategic his son was and the dreams he harboured.
“My son had lofty dreams and had promised me that he would be a doctor. Every time, I think of his death I break down into tears,” Mr. Kipkoech stated.
Speaking to journalists, Kipkoech questioned how the top-performing students died at once.
Another parent, Susan Chepkurui expressed her sorrow at having lost a loving child.
“I dreamt of a bright future for my son. I am lost for words and have a heavy heart because I have lost a loving child,” a tearful Chepkurui stated during the mass.
Ainakboi MP Samuel Chepkonga who attended the mass extended his condolences to the bereaved families stating the deaths of the students represent a huge loss for the school which has a total of 85 students.
“Their death is a huge loss for us,” he stated.
The 5 pupils died by drowning on Saturday, October 28 during a school trip.
The tragic accident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. when the group of pupils visited Amazement Park in Eldoret.
During their visit, they took turns boat riding in a man-made lake, and unfortunately, one of the boats capsized.
