Bomet teachers join Kaboson Girls in mourning Form Four candidate who died by suicide

Teachers from across Bomet County have joined the Kaboson Girls Secondary School community in mourning the death of a Form Four candidate who reportedly died by suicide on Friday.

The tragic incident occurred at the school in Chepalungu Sub-county, where the student’s body was discovered hanging from the roof of a store. The death has thrown the institution into mourning just weeks before the start of the national examinations.

Led by teachersAron Rono, popularly known as Spokesman, Geoffrey Kirui alias Kaka Jeff and Evalyne Chepkirui Sanguya they led their colleagues in consoling the grieving school community.

Rono described the incident as a painful reminder of the emotional struggles some learners face in silence.

“We have lost a candidate through suicide, and it is deeply painful. She was a bright and disciplined student whose future held so much promise,” said Rono.

He added:"As teachers, we spend years nurturing these children, guiding them through challenges, only for such tragedy to strike at the end. It breaks our hearts."

Rono further urged educators and parents to pay closer attention to the emotional well-being of learners, saying, “Sometimes, our students carry invisible burdens. We must create an environment where they feel safe to speak out. Let us continue praying for one another and for God to keep us strong.”

His colleague, Kirui also expressed his condolences and called for unity and compassion within the school.

“My heart goes out to you all, especially during this challenging time. The loss of your fellow student and candidate in Form Four is truly devastating,” he said.

Kirui noted:"As teachers, we are not only educators but also parents to these students while they are in our care. Losing one of them is a big loss. May you find comfort in each other’s company and courage to face the coming days."

On her part, Sanguya, described the incident as a painful loss not only to Kaboson but to the entire education fraternity.

“It is painful to lose a student, more so a candidate you have prepared for four years,” she said.

She added:“The girl allegedly had disturbing personal issues but did not open up to anyone. This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for all of us—parents, teachers, and government agencies—to prioritize emotional wellness. We must create safe spaces in schools where learners can express their struggles without fear or shame.”

Sanguya further urged the Ministry of Education and the gender docket to invest more in mental health awareness and counseling programs in schools.

The tragedy has renewed concern about mental health challenges among students, particularly candidates facing examination pressure.