Primary school learner missing for 2 months found dead in classroom

A primary school student, missing for two months, was found dead in a classroom at Moigoiywet Primary School in Trans Nzoia County.

Following the discovery of the dead body in the ceiling of a classroom at Moigoiywet Primary the school has been temporarily closed as police embark on their investigations.

Reports indicate that the pupil disappeared in November 2023, shortly after completing the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) examinations.

Concerns arose on Monday when returning students detected a putrid odor permeating their classroom. Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners made the gruesome discovery and promptly informed their teacher, triggering a swift response from school authorities.

Headteacher Douglas Amadi confirmed the tragic incident and revealed consultations with the school’s sponsor and the Ministry of Education county office to chart a course of action. Amadi suggested that the child’s parents, despite being aware of her disappearance, failed to report the matter to the police.

“We have indeed closed the school until Monday next week following stakeholder’s consultations that resolved to close the school to pave the way for investigations,” stated Amadi.

The school administration is providing counseling sessions for pupils to help them cope with the trauma before deciding on the institution’s reopening.

Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s untimely demise. As of now, no suspects have been apprehended.

Kiminini Sub County Police Commander John Onditi assured the public that investigators are diligently working to piece together crucial information to unravel the mystery behind the pupil’s death.

The body of the 12-year-old victim, identified as Triza Naliaka, has been transferred to Kitale County Referral Hospital for an autopsy. Remarkably, despite her two-month disappearance, her parents did not report her missing, with the mother assuming the child had gone to visit her father.

The Department of Child Protection in Kenya emphasizes the urgency of reporting missing children immediately, as the standard waiting period of 24 hours does not apply in the case of minors.

“Missing children cases heavily rely on the time factor for the successful return of a child,” underscores the department on its website.