Distraught family in Kiambu seeks state help as daughter disappears after school incident

A family in Kiambu County is living in fear and confusion after their 14-year-old daughter, Lucy Wanjiku, went missing under puzzling circumstances last Thursday—only hours after a reported disagreement with a teacher about juice in her bag.

Lucy, a Grade 8 student at Green Valley Junior School, had left home that morning as she normally did. However, according to her mother, Margaret Njeri, she never returned—and no one has seen or heard from her since.

“My daughter has ulcers, and the juice helps her manage dizziness during the day,” said Njeri. “The school was informed about her condition. I don’t understand why this became an issue now.”

The family says Lucy’s classmates described her as visibly distressed following what they said was a scolding from a teacher during a routine morning bag check. One student, speaking anonymously, said Lucy was unusually silent and withdrawn after the morning break. “She didn’t even talk much. That was the last time we saw her,” the classmate said.

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School authorities have acknowledged that Lucy attended morning classes but could not be located after lunch. Green Valley Junior School’s principal, Mr. Patrick Mwangi, expressed deep concern over the matter and said the institution is cooperating with authorities.

“We are deeply troubled by Lucy’s disappearance and are working closely with the police,” said Mwangi. “At this stage, we urge the public not to speculate. Our focus is on finding her safe.”

The case has raised broader concerns over how schools address students’ health needs and their emotional care.
Joseph Thuo, the Kiambu Sub-county Police Commander, confirmed that an investigation and coordinated search effort are ongoing. “We are treating this as a missing person case. Anyone with information should come forward immediately,” he said.

At the same time, local residents have joined forces to support the search. Volunteers have been checking surrounding neighborhoods, riverbanks, and deserted structures for any trace of the missing teenager.

“We just want her back,” said James Mbugua, Lucy’s uncle. “Alive and safe. That’s all we ask.”

The family has also distributed Lucy’s photo across social media and local channels. She was last seen dressed in her green school uniform and carrying a blue backpack.

By Joseph Mambili