NANDI, Kenya — Several learners are feared dead after a group of students at Kapsabet School for the Deaf reportedly fell into a septic tank on Thursday, triggering a major emergency response in Nandi County.
Preliminary reports indicate that the learners accidentally stepped onto the sewage pit while gathering near the roadside to watch the motorcade of President William Ruto pass through the area.
The school is located near Kapsabet Girls High School, where the Head of State was scheduled to make an official visit.
Witnesses say the learners were among groups of students observing the passing presidential convoy when several of them unknowingly stepped onto the septic tank, which collapsed beneath them.
Residents from the surrounding community rushed to the scene and began rescue operations before police and emergency response teams arrived.
Those who were pulled out of the pit were rushed to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties, but early reports suggest that one student may have died in the incident.
Emergency responders, including police and local rescue teams, remain at the scene as operations continue to search for survivors and assess the full extent of the tragedy.
The incident has sparked concern among residents and education stakeholders over infrastructure safety in schools, particularly the need for proper fencing and structural safeguards around hazardous areas such as sewage pits.
Authorities are expected to release an official statement once rescue operations are completed and the number of casualties is confirmed.
