Malava Girls student dies by suicide after transfer request rejected

A Form Two student of Malava Girls’ Secondary School in Kakamega County has allegedly committed suicide after her request for transfer was rejected.

The 15-year-old student, Dorothy Kageha, allegedly took poison on Tuesday, July 12 at her parents’ home in Kimang’eti Village, Malava Sub-County.

She’d been taken to Kimang’eti Health Centre, where first aid was administered before being transferred to the Malava Sub-County Hospital. The student died during treatment.

Kageha’s mother, Mary Juma, said the teenager had requested she be transferred from Malava Girls’ Secondary School, but they convinced her to continue pursuing her studies at the institution.

“We talked to her and implored upon her to concentrate on her studies,” said Juma.

“When we found her in the house [after allegedly taking poison], she was vomiting and sweating profusely,” said the deceased’s parent.

Doctors said a pesticide that Kageha ingested caused serious harm to her intestines.

“I suspect she took her own life after we discouraged her from seeking a transfer from Malava Girls’ Secondary School,” said the teenager’s mother.

Mary Juma said her daughter had earlier Tuesday performed house chores and even grazed cattle before allegedly consuming poison.

Juma said Kageha was expected to report back to school on Wednesday, July 13 after mid-term break.

Malava Sub-County Police Commander Paul Mwenda said they’ve launched investigations into the matter.

“Parents should try and listen to their children. During disagreements, a compromise can be reached,” he said.