KAPSABET, Kenya — One learner has died, and ten others were injured after a septic tank collapsed at Kapsabet School for the Deaf in Kapsabet on Thursday morning.
The students were reportedly trying to catch a glimpse of the motorcade of William Ruto as it passed near the school.
Witnesses said the learners had gathered on top of an old septic tank measuring about 20 feet in length when the structure gave way due to the weight, causing the students to fall inside.
County officials said eleven learners were pulled from the collapsed tank by rescuers and rushed to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for emergency treatment.
Hospital authorities later confirmed that one learner died from injuries shortly after arrival, while ten others were admitted for medical care.
The incident was confirmed by Angeline Kirui, who was among the first responders at the scene alongside county disaster response teams.
Emergency personnel and local residents worked together to rescue the trapped students before transporting them to the hospital.
Upon learning of the incident, President Ruto made a brief stop at the school to express his condolences to the affected learners, staff, and families.
During the visit, the Head of State pledged Sh5 million to support reconstruction and infrastructure improvements at the institution.
He later proceeded to his scheduled engagement at Kapsabet Girls’ High School.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concerns over safety standards in school infrastructure, particularly regarding abandoned or poorly secured septic systems within learning institutions.
Local authorities said investigations were underway to establish the condition of the collapsed tank and determine whether safety measures had been put in place to prevent access to the area.
Officials also indicated that steps would be taken to secure the site and ensure the safety of other learners as the injured students continue receiving treatment.
Further updates on the condition of the injured learners are expected as medical teams monitor their recovery.
