By Wanja Waweru
A postmortem has found that Wendy Abetti Oyugi, 14, a Form One student at Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls’ High School in Kakamega, passed away from gastritis (stomach inflammation).
Government pathologist Dr. Titus Ngulungu conducted an experiment on Monday night at Umash Funeral Home in Nakuru County, and the results showed that the minor who passed away at the facility had stomach bleeding as a result of the inflammation.’
“After examination of the body l have formed the opinion that the deceased died because of gastritis. However, l have collected more samples for toxicology tests at the government chemist to ascertain what caused the stomach inflammation,” stated Dr Ngulungu.
“She was highly hydrated at the time of her death,” added the pathologist.
The pathologist who doubted if the inflammation was caused by a bacteria, said only more tests will ascertain if it was caused by a chemical or bacteria.
Dr. Ngulungu remarked that whatever caused the student’s swelling and bleeding must have been ingested.
In the presence of Wendy’s parents and other family members, the postmortem was performed.
The kid was sent home for treatment last Wednesday after the school decided to dismiss her due to a worsening of her condition.
Joyce Oyugi, Wendy’s mother, claims that the deputy principal of the school told her of her daughter’s illness last week.
The teacher requested that she bring up the girl the next day from school.
At a hospital in Bungoma, the girl received care for what was thought to be a bacterial infection before being released.
Wendy, who was living in Bungoma with her older sister, allegedly called Ms. Oyugi to say that she was well despite feeling faint.
“l assured her that she would be fine, after taking her drugs,” she told Nation.Africa.
However, on March 31, she received a distress call from her older daughter that Wendy’s situation had worsened.
The girl was rushed to Life Care Hospital where she died before doctors could attend to her.
“l am so heartbroken, Wendy died at a tender age, she had a bright future,” said Ms Oyugi.
“The school informed me of my daughter’s sickness in good time, I don’t blame anybody,” she added.
Ms Oyugi said her daughter will be buried at their home in Siaya County next week.
“She was a beautiful girl. I have lost a daughter and a friend. I will miss her dearly,” she said.
At least 246 students at the school were hospitalised with vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.
Following the illness, the students were rushed to Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital and the St Elizabeth Mukumu hospital.
Initial findings at the hospital indicated that the learners may have suffered food or water poisoning.
Food samples were collected and sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) lab for analysis.
