Two Ramba Boys students die after septic tank collapses in Siaya

At least two Form Four students died after a septic tank collapsed at Ramba Boys High School in Rarieda, Siaya County.

Police said two others were seriously injured after the Saturday March 22 evening incident.

The students are said to have been together with others on top of the septic tank when it caved in at around 6.00 pm, witnesses told police.

The tragedy sparked riots at the school with other students destroying property.

The students claimed the incident was preventable and blamed the management for the same.

A section of parents protested the incident and accused the school management of failing to communicate in time.

The parents thronged the school overnight as the news of the incident spread out.

More police were Sunday sent to the school to stop further destruction of property by rioting students.

Officials said counselors had also been sent to the school to talk to the students as part of efforts to manage the tragedy.

Police said they are working with other multi-agencies to investigate the incident.

Witnesses said there were more than eight students standing on the septic tank before it caved in with four.

The others managed to escape while two were rescued alive.

The police and Kenya Red Cross officials visited the school and worked overnight to retrieve the bodies from the collapsed septic tank.

Local leaders joined in mourning the dead and wished those injured quick recovery.

They also called for investigations into the tragedy.

Siaya governor James Orengo expressed his deepest sympathies with the school community and assured of his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the safety of learners across the county.

Area Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo said he was saddened by the incident.

“Another Tragedy! Saddened To Learn Two Young Boys At Ramba Boys High School Have Lost Their Life After A Septic Tank Collapsed! May Their Young Souls Know Peace, Even As We Continue Investigating The Circumstances,” he said.

The school is one of the best in the area.