-
A Grade 9 learner at Lakewood School in Utawala, died from severe injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, a post-mortem examination has confirmed.
-
“We have found that the late student suffered severe head injury and also back and chest injury due to what we can call blunt force trauma. It is consistent with a fall from a height,” stated Dr. Daniel Zuriel, the family representative pathologist.
A post-mortem examination conducted by a team of pathologists at the Kenyatta National Hospital Mortuary has established that Randy Mathenge, a Grade 9 learner at Lakewood School in Utawala, died from severe injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
Mathenge was found dead within the school compound on June 20 after he allegedly fell from the third floor of a school building.
Speaking during a press briefing after the examination, the pathologists, accompanied by homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), said the student sustained extensive head injuries, as well as significant trauma to the chest and back.
“We have found that the late student suffered severe head injury and also back and chest injury due to what we can call blunt force trauma. It is consistent with a fall from a height,” stated Dr. Daniel Zuriel, the family representative pathologist.
The briefing revealed that the post-mortem examination was carried out jointly by government pathologists, a pathologist representing the family, and two independent pathologists appointed by the school. The team said all parties reached a consensus on the preliminary findings.
ALSO READ:
Kakamega ECDE teachers suspend strike as conciliator steps into gratuity row
Government pathologist Dr. Bernard Midia confirmed that the examination had been concluded, noting that the results were consistent with the team’s initial assessment.
“This forms part of ongoing investigations because we will also visit the scene and analyse additional samples and personal effects to build a story to come to a conclusion and wrap this case,” he said.
The school’s legal counsel, Danstan Omari, conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family, describing the student’s death as a tragic and deeply painful incident.
He also confirmed that the post-mortem examination, which had initially been postponed due to technical challenges, was conducted this week in the presence of all relevant parties, including homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and forensic experts.
Omari urged the public to avoid speculation, stressing that the post-mortem findings are preliminary and form part of an ongoing investigation.
“This time I’m appealing for everybody to be sensitive to the family that has lost a child. Let us not speculate on the cause of death. They have given a tentative report; they have said more investigations are going to be done,” said the legal representative.
ALSO READ:
KNEC opens recruitment for 2026 KCSE Oral and Practical assessors
He further said the school would work closely with investigators, pathologists and the family to ensure the matter is handled appropriately. He added that the school would reopen the following day to give students an opportunity to grieve together and find closure.
The family’s lawyer, Victor Olao, said the post-mortem examination did not conclusively establish the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. He urged investigative agencies to carry out comprehensive investigations to determine exactly what happened.
“We are urging patience and we are urging that we will get answers to the very many questions that go into how someone will fall without any other bruises on the legs and on the hands. There is a lot still to be answered, but we are hoping that we will get the right answers,” said Olao.
By Frank Mugwe
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
