Grief has swept through the community of Sangalo Secondary School in Nandi following the tragic death of a young teacher who drowned during a school trip to the coastal city of Mombasa.
Dominic, an English Literature teacher at the school, lost his life after being swept away by strong waves while enjoying a day at Shelly Beach. The excursion, organized by the school administration to celebrate the holiday break, ended in heartbreak as colleagues and students returned home mourning one of their own.
Eyewitnesses report that Dominic had ventured into the water when a powerful wave overpowered him. Attempts by his fellow teachers to rescue him were unsuccessful due to lack of strong swimming skills. There were no professional lifeguards or emergency officials nearby at the time of the incident.
Former students and colleagues took to social media to mourn the loss, sharing memories and expressing their sorrow while also calling for better safety measures at public beaches.
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“So sad that you are no more, Dominic. We stayed together as brothers at Maseno University. It is really painful to lose a young soul full of unfulfilled promises. Rest in peace, my friend,” wrote Brian Chirchir, a former classmate.
Others warned of the dangers of swimming during high tide or full moon conditions, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with the ocean.
“Pole sana for his loss. But when you come to the coast for vacation, especially now during the full moon, you need to know that the waves are unpredictable and dangerous. Stay alert, death is just a moment away,” said Hadija Halima, a local resident.
As the school community and Dominic’s family come to terms with the loss, preparations are underway for his burial. The tragedy has reignited conversations around the need for improved safety protocols and the presence of trained lifeguards at public beaches across the country.
By Joyline Chebet
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