Lugulu Girls High School administration has come under fiery criticism following the mysterious death of a Form One student after a short illness.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and confusion among parents and the local community, with students attributing the death to negligence.
The death, which occurred on Thursday last week, was allegedly kept secret, leading to heightened suspicion and demands for transparency.
A group of concerned parents gathered outside the school gate, staging a demonstration and seeking answers regarding the circumstances of the untimely demise.
The protest was marked by a significant police presence, preventing the parents from entering the school and escalating tensions.
The parents voiced their concerns about potential health risks due to inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene practices in the school, which they fear may have contributed to the student’s death.
“Given the gravity of the current situation, it is crucial for the school to ensure the cleanliness of the water students consume, the hygiene of meals preparation, and the overall sanitary conditions. Neglecting these factors could have severe consequences on the students’ health,” stated a form one parent.
The parents also demanded a thorough investigation into the girl’s medical history and the school’s response to her illness.
They stressed the importance of determining whether her illness was documented in her medical records and whether the school acted promptly and appropriately.
In response to the mounting pressure, the Chief Principal Dinah Cheruiyot said there had been no prior incidents of food poisoning in the school and emphasized the institution’s commitment to student health and safety standards.
“We have not had any food poisoning issues in the school whatsoever, so we cannot apportion blame to the school administration in this matter,” the principal stated.
She further said: “Gastrointestinal issues don’t lead to death unless left unattended over a long period. We have a comprehensive approach to health matters, with two community nurses and a nurse aide for staff.”
The principal further explained that the deceased was immediately taken to hospital when she showed signs of illness and that her parents were informed promptly, upon which her mother took over her treatment at the hospital.
Despite these assurances, many parents remain unconvinced and are calling for greater accountability and transparency from the school administration.
A section of parents, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of their daughters being victimized, expressed mixed feelings about how the school handled the situation.
“As a parent, I appreciate the school’s efforts to ensure our children’s safety and health, but the lack of transparency in this case is deeply concerning,” said one.
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