Tragedy at Miangeni International School: Student Death Sparks Outcry for Transparency

Makindu, Kenya – The sudden and mysterious death of Martin Mugambi, a Form 2 student at Miangeni International School in Makindu, has ignited a wave of concern and demands for accountability within the school community. Martin, described as a brilliant student with a mean grade of ‘A’ and an active participant in the Kenya Music Festivals, was found dead in the school’s swimming pool on the morning of Monday, February 10, 2025.

Miangeni International School released an official statement detailing that Martin was last seen by his peers appearing distressed before he was discovered in the pool. According to the school, Martin had expressed suicidal thoughts to a friend by the poolside on the previous day, after which he was seen washing his clothes but was not seen again until his body was found.

However, the narrative provided by the school has been met with skepticism and grief from Martin’s family and the broader parent community. Ndungu Nyoro, a philanthropist who has taken up the cause, shared on social media that Martin’s parents, residents of Meru County, received a call from the school merely stating that their child had been taken by the police. Upon arriving at the school, they encountered a lack of direct communication from the school’s administration, learning of their son’s death from the Board of Governors’ chair.

Further compounding the tragedy, Nyoro revealed that Martin had previously reported being bullied at the school, including an incident where he was thrown into the pool but managed to swim to safety due to his swimming prowess. This revelation has led to suspicions among some that bullying might have played a role in Martin’s death, raising questions about the school’s oversight in ensuring student safety.

The parents’ collective response was swift and unified, demanding transparency and accountability. In a letter to the school’s administration, they expressed their deep sorrow and concern, calling for a detailed explanation of the events, reassurance on student safety, and an immediate meeting with all parents to discuss the matter.

The school’s administration has assured cooperation with ongoing police investigations, emphasizing their support for Martin’s family during this period of mourning. Yet, the absence of a timely school statement and the request for the family to move the body before a postmortem has been conducted has only fueled calls for justice and clarity.

This incident has not only devastated one family but has also sparked a broader discourse on bullying, mental health, and the responsibilities of educational institutions in safeguarding their students. The community awaits the results of the police investigation and a more comprehensive response from Miangeni International School, hoping for closure and preventive measures to ensure such a tragedy does not repeat.

As investigations continue, the story of Martin Mugambi serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities within the education system and the urgent need for vigilance and care in protecting the young lives entrusted to it.