HOMA BAY, Kenya — Police in Homa Bay County have launched investigations following the sudden death of a 15-year-old boy who collapsed while playing within his school compound in Kosele, Rachuonyo area.
According to police and school officials, the student, who was enrolled at Saye Mixes Secondary School, collapsed on the school’s playing field on Monday as he played with fellow students. Teachers and classmates raised the alarm, prompting an urgent response.
Homa Bay County police confirmed that the boy was rushed to a nearby health facility for emergency treatment. However, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
“The student collapsed while playing at the school field. He was taken to hospital immediately but unfortunately did not survive,” a police officer familiar with the incident said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since taken over the case to establish the circumstances surrounding the boy’s sudden death. Authorities said there were no immediate signs of physical injury or foul play at the scene.
Police further indicated that preliminary information from the school and family suggests the student had no known pre-existing medical condition.
“At this stage, there is no report indicating that the boy suffered from any prior illness,” police said, adding that an autopsy would be critical in determining the cause of death.
The body was transferred to a local mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted in the coming days. Investigators are also expected to record statements from teachers, students, and school administrators as part of the inquiry.
The incident has shocked the local community, with parents and residents calling for thorough investigations and improved emergency preparedness in schools.
Sudden collapses and deaths have raised public concern in recent months. Just last month, Standard Group journalist Rashid Mukoya collapsed at the media house’s offices in Nairobi and was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
Mukoya’s family confirmed that he died on Wednesday, December 25, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital. To date, the exact cause of his death has not been made public, and it remains unclear whether a pre-existing medical condition contributed to his collapse.
Mukoya, who joined the Standard Group in 2013, served as a senior videographer in the editorial department. According to the media house, he played a key role in strengthening visual storytelling across its platforms over the past decade.
Among his notable career achievements was winning the 2016 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Award alongside journalist Asha Mwilu.
Health experts have previously warned that sudden collapses among young people and adults can be linked to undiagnosed medical conditions, including heart-related complications, underscoring the importance of routine medical screening and rapid emergency response.
As investigations into the Homa Bay student’s death continue, police urged the public to remain calm and allow medical and forensic processes to establish the facts.
“We are committed to ensuring that the truth is established and that the family receives clear answers,” police said.
The findings of the post-mortem examination are expected to guide further action by investigators and determine whether additional medical or legal steps will be taken.
