Worrying trend of female students dying under mysterious circumstances

A body in a morgue [iStockphoto]

During the Finance Bill 2024 protests that shook the country in June and July, young men and women bravely faced police brutality, displaying a defiance that ignited both passion and rage.

It was a pivotal moment for the youth, who flooded the streets of major towns to denounce the government’s plans to increase taxes.

For the first time, young people turned out in large numbers to make their voices heard.

While Nairobi was the epicentre of the protests, which culminated in the unprecedented storming of Parliament buildings on June 25, similar violent scenes unfolded in major towns across the country.

Months later, the effects of the protests are still being felt, with some of the youths who played key roles leaving an indelible mark in the quest for a just society.

One such protester was Immaculate Nekesa, known to her friends as Ashley Magero.

With her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication, she quickly became a symbol of hope and resistance, captivating social media and rallying thousands to her cause.

So daring was she that, at one point, she lectured anti-riot police officers who had come to arrest her on the streets of Nairobi.

This act left a profound impact on her community. Her passion for social justice resonated deeply with Kenyans, and she became a beacon of hope and resilience among the Gen-Zs who led the demonstrations.

Following the invasion of Parliament, President William Ruto bowed to pressure and declined to assent to the unpopular bill.

Although about 40 people lost their lives and many were injured, the mission was seen as accomplished. Immaculate went on to join Sigalagala National Polytechnic to further her studies.

She was pursuing a certificate in Catering and Accommodation, having joined the institution two months earlier.

However, beneath her resilient exterior, Immaculate struggled with the pressures of student life, and the weight of activism took a heavy toll on her.

Tragically, on October 11, 2024, Immaculate was found dead in her room, having locked herself in after lighting a jiko and a gas stove.

This heartbreaking event shocked her fellow students at Sigalagala National Polytechnic, sparking conversations about whether she had committed suicide, been a victim of foul play, or died from suffocation due to carbon monoxide inhalation.

The news of her death sparked a wave of grief and outrage. Social media, which had once amplified her voice, now became a platform for mourning.

Hashtags like #JusticeForAshley trended, echoing the sentiments of those who remembered her not just for her activism but for the light she brought to their lives.

“With humble acceptance of God’s will, we inform the Sigalagala National Polytechnic fraternity of the untimely demise of our comrade, friend, Immaculate Nekesa, who suddenly passed away,” said Ronnie Otieno, a student representative, breaking the news on the students’ WhatsApp forum.

He added: “Immaculate Nekesa may no longer walk among us, but her presence will forever be felt in the lives she touched and the hearts she uplifted during this short period.”

Shinyalu Sub-County Police Commander Daniel Mukumbu told The Nairobian that Immaculate’s body was discovered inside her rented house with a burning jiko and a lit gas stove next to her bed.

“We combed the scene and took her body to Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital. After an autopsy, it was confirmed that carbon monoxide poisoning was the cause of death. She had no oxygen to breathe after lighting the jiko and locking herself inside the house,” said Mukumbu.

Although Immaculate’s activism brought her into the public eye, her tragic death highlights a disturbing trend of female university and college students dying under mysterious circumstances.

Recent cases include Salome Ayela Wekesa, Vivian Kajaya, and Valery Jepkoech.

Salome, 26, a student at Bungoma National Polytechnic pursuing a diploma in Accounting, was shot on October 8, 2024, during a student protest demanding the immediate transfer of the institution’s principal due to alleged poor leadership and resource mismanagement.

She was reportedly killed by a stray bullet, sparking outrage, with local leaders calling for accountability.

“Salome was shot dead by the police while exercising her democratic right during a peaceful protest calling for the removal of the institution’s principal. This incident is not only a grave violation of her rights but also a reflection of the unnecessary force used against peaceful demonstrators,” said Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli in a press release.

He added: “I call upon the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Justice must be served for Salome’s grieving family and her fellow comrades, who continue to seek a just and safe learning environment. No student should lose their life while standing up for their beliefs and rights.”

Kanduyi MP John Makali also condemned the incident, describing it as a significant blow to his vision of transforming the polytechnic into a model center of learning.

“A young life has been lost and property destroyed. As we mourn this loss, I urge patience and call on the relevant agencies to investigate swiftly to uncover the circumstances leading to this tragedy,” said the MP.

Even before the dust settled, the death of Vivian Kajaya compounded the nation’s grief.

Her body was discovered on October 14 in a maize plantation in Kiamunyi, Nakuru County. Vivian, 22, was pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work and Administration degree at Mount Kenya University in Thika.

The circumstances that led her to Nakuru are still under investigation, but it is believed she was raped before being killed.

“Her underwear had been removed and left beside the body. It is evident she was trying to defend herself but was overpowered by her assailants,” said Rongai Sub-County Criminal Investigation Officer Donnata Otieno.

Vivian’s handbag, containing her identification documents, was found at the scene, but her mobile phone, which is believed to hold crucial information that could aid the investigation, is missing.

On September 10, 2024, Valery Jepkoech, a journalism student at Maasai Mara University, was found dead in River Narok, about 10km from the institution. Valery had been missing for more than a week and is believed to have drowned.

Narok County Police Commander Riko Ngare said her body was found floating at Morijoi location, and police are treating her death as a drowning incident.

Cecelia Mutemi, a psychologist, voiced concern over the rising deaths among female students, suggesting they might be targeted due to their prominent role in society.

“In my opinion, this may be a scheme to silence girls from agitating for their rights. Men can be domineering and do not like being challenged. The girls are challenging the status quo, and that is why someone may be trying to silence them,” said Mutemi.

However, she also noted that some cases could be suicides caused by the pressures of life, adding that, due to economic hardships, some may choose to end their lives when the burden becomes too heavy.

“Some of these cases could indeed be murders. The government and security teams within universities need to work on ensuring the safety of female students,” Mutemi said.