The cause of a stampede that happened at Kakamega Primary
School, claiming lives of 14 pupils with 40 injuries, remains a shock to
parents and the entire community.
So far, the school administration has not given an official
explanation on the same, with many relying on scanty details from survivors,
parents and teachers.
Some pupils are blaming a teacher who was chasing them out
of classes after the evening bell. It is said the teacher caused tension that
led to the learners struggling to get out through a narrow door, leading to
commotion.
Another student who survived the accident dismissed the
narrative and instead said tension built up after one of them blocked a stair
way.
According to Alphaville Keng’ore, a Grade Five pupil in the
school, the student barred his colleagues, then a commotion started amongst
themselves.
In the process, many pupils resorted to jumping off the
stair case, with some falling on the ground and stepped over by their fellow,
and as commotion ensued, some of those who were on the stairs fell off others.
a move that caused suffocation amongst the pupils.
Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has however linked the
stampede to a satanic form of sacrifice.
The ex-legislator points his finger to some churches that
are said to hold prayers at the school.
In a video clip that has gone viral online Khalwale
says,” I want the Education CS George Magoha to prevail upon the administration
management of this school. This school should be used only by pupils, teachers
and parents. Kakamega Primary School is rented out to churches every
Sunday.”
“I am now asking the minister to ban church activities
within the school. Why am I saying so? You know there are churches which are of
questionable practice, especially how they deal with our children.”
Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, Government
Spokesman Cyrus Oguna and Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang, Kakamega senator
Cleophas Malala among other leaders visited the school on Tuesday February 4.
Parents were barred from accessing the school for the early hours
of the day as leaders held a meeting with senior county security and education
officers.
The institution was closed for the rest of the week and will
remain closed until investigations are carried out to establish the cause.
The incident is the latest that opens questions about the
safety of pupils in learning institutions.
Towards the end of 2019, a classroom collapsed at St
Catherine’s Children Education Centre Bombolulu that led to death of 69 pupils.
The school was also closed to allow room for investigations
