Epanja village in Mumias East is enveloped in grief following the sudden death of a 19-year-old KCSE candidate just before the beginning of the day’s exams. The unexpected demise has left family members and villagers in deep shock, as the young student had been full of promise and hope for the future.
The father of the deceased spoke through tears, remembering his son as a bright and hardworking student. “He was performing well in his academics,” he said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “Hata alikuwa index nine,” he added, highlighting his son’s significant academic standing in school. The young man’s achievements were a source of pride and hope for the family, making the loss even more devastating.
The mother was overwhelmed with grief and disbelief, struggling to process the sudden tragedy. “Nilishtuka sana nikiambiwa mtoto amekufa,” she said, recalling the shock and disbelief she felt upon hearing the news of her son’s death. Her voice conveyed the raw pain of a mother mourning her child, a wound that words alone cannot heal.
The news of the student’s passing before sitting for his exams has also resonated across the community, as neighbors and schoolmates gather to console the grieving family. The atmosphere in the village is heavy with mourning, a stark reminder of the fragility of life. Teachers and fellow students expressed their sorrow, acknowledging the impact the young man had made with his determination and academic promise.