It was shock and disbelief in Kanyaliech Village in Homa Bay County after a Form Four candidate died shortly after she finished sitting the first day of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

The deceased identified as Congestina Achieng, who was a student at Alaro Central Secondary School, died on Monday evening after complaining of severe chest pains.

Earlier in the day, teachers noticed she was visibly uneasy during the examinations, prompting them to contact her parents, who immediately rushed her to hospital.

Her father, David Ogweno, said he received an urgent call from the school principal telling him his daughter was unwell.

“Her condition worsened rapidly. We rushed her to Termary Hospital, but was pronounced dead moments later.”Mr Ogweno said.

The devastated parent said he had struggled to educate his children from meager resources doing casual labour.

He called for support from well-wishers, saying that he had another child currently studying at Tom Mboya University.

“Achieng aspired to become a lawyer and viewed the national exams as a stepping stone to uplifting our family.”

Her mother, Pamela Atieno said Achieng had been unwell since last week.

“She complained of chest pains, and I bought her some painkillers so she could sit for the national test. I was later called and told her condition had worsened,” Ms Atieno said.

Her teachers, Mr Isaiah Opere and Mr Austine Achina, described Achieng as a hard-working, disciplined student.

The teachers urged well-wishers to support the family.

by Davis Langat