Ramba Boys High School/SCREENGRAB
Two Form Four students died after a septic tank collapsed at Ramba Boys High School in Rarieda, Siaya County.
The two others were seriously injured after the
Saturday evening incident.
The students are said to have been together with others
on top of the septic tank when it caved in at around 6.00 pm.
The tragedy prompted riots at the school with other
students destroying property.
They argued the incident was preventable and blamed the
management for the same.
Witnesses said there were more than eight students
standing on the septic tank before it caved in with four.
The others managed to escape, while two were rescued
alive.
According to one of the junior teachers, most of the
students escaped without injuries.
The police and Kenya Red Cross officials
visited the school and worked overnight to retrieve the bodies from the
collapsed septic tank.
Local leaders joined in mourning the dead and
wished those injured a quick recovery.
Siaya Governor James Orengo expressed his
deepest sympathies with the school community and assured of his administration's
commitment to safeguarding the safety of learners across the county.
He at the same time called for calm during
this difficult time.
Area Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo said
he was saddened by the incident.
He called for investigations into the tragedy.
A section of parents protested the incident
and accused the school management of failing to communicate in time.
The parents thronged the school overnight as the
news of the incident spread out.
More police were sent to the school on Sunday to
stop further destruction of property by rioting students.
Officials said counselors had also been sent
to the school to talk to the students as part of efforts to manage the tragedy.
Police said they are working with other multi-agencies in investigating the incident. They plan to take action in case there are crimes that were committed.
