A family is mourning the tragic death of a 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate who was allegedly beaten to death by her father in Chesikaki Ward in Cheptais sub-county, Bungoma County. Preliminary reports indicate that 23-year-old Esther Nasimiyu succumbed to her injuries after an attack by her father, reportedly in response to her scoring a D+ in the recently released KCSE results.
The results were officially announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
According to a police report obtained by The Kenya Times, the incident was initially reported by Chesikaki Sub-location Chief Morris Wetala, who stated that he had been informed of a murder within his jurisdiction.
Officers from the Chesikaki Police Station responded to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of Nasimiyu, visibly injured from the assault.
“Police officers visited the scene and found one Esther Nasimiyu Toto Bukusu female adult aged 23 years lying dead with multiple body injuries inflicted with blunt object,” the report reads in part.
Bungoma County Women Representative Catherine Wambilianga in a statement on January 11 expressed her deep sorrow over the tragic death of the young girl.
Bungoma Women Rep speaks after death of KCSE 2024 candidate
Wambilianga underscored the importance of nurturing children with understanding and support, rather than resorting to violence over academic performance.
Also Read: Anxiety as KNEC Withholds KCSE 2024 Results for Top National School
According to the Member of Parliament, an examination is an assessment of how well a learner has grasped concepts after a period of time, not a test for who will be successful in life.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of a girl from Chesikaki ward who was beaten to death by her father for scoring a D+ in the recently released KCSE. Kindly parents don’t kill your child or write them off because of “BAD” grades. Our children can still be successful regardless of what grades they obtain at school,” said the MP.
She added, “This parent has to face the full force of the law.”
Police have revealed that the 41-year-old suspect was arrested and put into custody as investigations into the incident intensify. The body of the KCSE 2024 candidate was moved to Sante Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
Results released
Nasimiyu’s death came days after Education CS Ogamba officially released the 2024 KCSE results.
Also Read: How Top National Schools Performed in 2024 KCSE
965,512 candidates had been registered for the exams, marking a 7.19% increase compared to the previous year.
246,391 students out of the registered candidates attained direct university entry qualifications with a Grade C+ and above, translating to 25.3%.
At the same time, 605, 774 candidates scored D+ and above in the 2024 national examinations while 48,333 students scored an E.
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