Shock as KCSE Candidate Dies Suddenly at School Moments Before Exams

A KCSE candidate, Calistus Wamboye Oteu, passed away unexpectedly at Ebubere Secondary School in Mumias East Constituency, Kakamega County.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as Calistus was preparing to sit for his national exams.

According to his parents, Patrick and Dorcas Oteu, their son left home in good health that morning, accompanied by his sibling, who is also sitting for the KCSE exams. 

“It was at around 8 a.m. I was at the farm when I received a phone call that my son had died while in school. I have two sons sitting for their exams this year, and they left home in good health. I am so shocked,” said Mr. Oteu, Calistus's father.  

However, the family was soon devastated by the shocking news that Calistus had collapsed and died in class while waiting to begin his examination.

“They sit in the same exam room, and their index numbers are close; I don't know what led to my son's death up to now,” added Mr. Oteu. 

The cause of Calistus’s death is not yet clear. His family confirmed that he had shown no signs of illness or distress before the incident. 

“I rushed to the hospital only to learn that indeed he had died. His sibling is also in shock. My son just collapsed and died on the spot in class. He was not sick and has no health complications,” his father narrated. 

School authorities and fellow students are equally puzzled, as there were no apparent indications that Calistus was unwell.

His body has been transferred to St. Mary’s Mission Hospital morgue in Mumias, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine the cause of death. 

The family has expressed their grief and called for support from the government and well-wishers during this difficult time.

“If God could listen to my prayers, he couldn't allow my son to die at this moment. I have educated him only for him to die that early. I pray that the good Lord will give us strength in me and my family, especially his brother, who is also a candidate,” he said.

The death of the student has raised concerns about the health and well-being of candidates sitting for the national exams, and many are waiting for further details from the ongoing investigations. 

Authorities have promised to provide more information once the post-mortem results are available.