MACHAKOS, Kenya — A family in Machakos County is mourning the death of 16-year-old Samwel Munyao, a Grade 10 student at Ngelani Boys High School, who was killed in a tragic accident involving a water bowser inside the school compound.
Preliminary investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) indicate that the incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, when Munyao and other learners were reportedly assisting to push-start a water bowser said to be faulty.
According to investigators, the students attempted to ride on the vehicle after pushing it. Munyao allegedly slipped and was fatally pressed against the pavement by the rear side of the moving bowser.
He was rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was later transferred to the hospital morgue pending a postmortem examination scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Machakos Sub-county DCI chief Nzioka Singi confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. The driver of the lorry, registration number KAL 048U Isuzu water bowser, identified as Wilson Mbithi, was released on cash bail and is expected to face charges of causing death.
The deceased’s family has expressed dissatisfaction with the explanation provided by the school administration. Charles Makau, who is leading the family, termed the account “evasive and unjustifiable.”
Munyao’s elder brother, Brian Makau, said the family received news of the tragedy from their grandmother and guardian, Joyce Mwikali. The siblings are total orphans.
“Why should learners be exposed to such risks?” Brian asked, questioning why students were allegedly called from class to push a faulty vehicle.
Attempts to reach the school principal for comment were unsuccessful. A visit to the institution found it closed for the mid-term break, with students already away.
The incident has reignited concerns about student safety and supervision within school compounds. Education safety guidelines require institutions to ensure learners are not exposed to hazardous activities unrelated to academic or co-curricular programmes.
The tragedy also comes days after another reported student death at Katoloni Secondary School under unclear circumstances, further heightening anxiety among parents in the region.
Governance and child protection advocates argue that schools bear a legal and moral duty of care to safeguard learners under their supervision. The Children Act and constitutional provisions on the rights and welfare of children impose clear obligations on institutions to guarantee safety.
As the DCI continues its probe, the family is calling for accountability and systemic reforms to prevent similar incidents.
