Parents from a school in Mwingi North in Kitui County have called for a probe after their 13-year-old daughter died from a mysterious disease.
The devasted family questioned the situation after the grade seven pupil died a week after a grade two pupil died at the same school, from symptoms ranging from nosebleeds, yellow eyes, vomiting, flu and severe headaches.
According to the school headteacher Josphat Kimotho, several pupils were allowed to seek medical attention from a local clinic, after complaining of severe migraines.
“On Monday, five pupils came to ask for permission to go to the hospital, after reporting having experienced severe headaches. We allowed them to go to a nearby dispensary for treatment,” the headteacher stated.
Kimotho further confirmed that the ailing students received treatment, and resumed their usual school schedule, after feeling better.
“The doctors prescribed medication which the pupils took. They went home for a few days, and now they are back and well,” he added.
The mourning family now wants the Ministry of Health in Kitui County to probe the death of their child, to ascertain the events surrounding the mysterious disease that has so far claimed the lives of two pupils.
The deceased uncle further faulted the county for the death of their kin, citing the lack of functional health facilities in the area.
“I plead with the Governor to consider posting doctors to our area, we struggle to get treatment for our child as the hospitals around don’t work,” David Musili noted.
The family is currently in the process of planning a funeral for the deceased, as they await more information and a response from the county.
The area Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Titus Kasinga has supported the family in pushing for an investigation, noting that the pupils were still in danger.
“The nearest functional hospital is ten kilometres away. It is hard for someone to get help, especially at night,” Kasinga stated.
