A 17-year-old Form One student from Mwatate Secondary School in Taita Taveta County shocked many after committing suicide in a church compound.
The student, whose name could not be immediately revealed is said to have killed himself in the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) on Tuesday night.
His body was discovered dangling from a tree branch by a passerby who raised an alarm.
The deceased, who was previously in Moi High School, was reportedly transferred to the Day school after his mother failed to raise the school fees demanded by the former institution.
Reports stated that the deceased had been a bright student and had complained bitterly over the transfer.
"We are getting reports that the boy might have been depressed after being transferred to a less prestigious school," Mwatate Officer Commanding Police Division OCPD Francis Mwangi stated.
The OCPD added that the boy's mother, who was shocked by the news, would be questioned after she recovered.
Area Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) boss Shedrack Mutungi asked schools to strengthen guidance and counseling.
“Good performance largely depends on student’s personal initiative and drive to excel. School environment is just a catalyst,” he stated.
Leaders in the region also called on students to open up about issues affecting them instead of making rash decisions.
