Rehearsal disrupted after candidate dies

By Martin Mutua

Kilifi, Kenya: Rehearsal for candidates sitting for their Kenya Certificate of Primary Edudation Examinations at Chumani Primary School in Kilifi County was Monday disrupted for hours. This was after the candidates learnt of the death of their colleague.

The candidates broke down in tears soon after Joyce Yawa, a sister of the deceased candidate, Rehema Yawa, informed them that their colleague had died suddenly on Sunday.

The deceased girl’s father, Yawa Makupe, said his daughter fell sick on Saturday and he rushed her to Kilifi County Hospital. She was later referred to Coast General Hospital.

Examination

Mr Makupe said they arrived at Coast General Hospital where she was examined and given medication. But she died in the early hours of Sunday.

“The candidate was in school last Friday to participate in special prayers for KCPE candidates. She was in a jovial mood and I was shocked to hear that she had died,” said Yussuf Nassor, the school’s head teacher.

Meanwhile, in Taita Taveta, a pregnant girl and 18 prisoners are among candidates sitting for KCPE exams this morning.

And in Kwale County, a female candidate has been barred from sitting the examination for allegedly failing to pay the required fees.