Boy, 17, Dies in Kakamega After Ingesting Poison

Residents of Kona Mbaya village in the Likuyani constituency of Kakamega County are mourning the death of a Form 3 student who committed suicide by ingesting poison after being pushed to attend school.  

Austeen Anyira, a 17-year-old Mtoni High School student, was found unconscious after taking the poison inside a hut. 

According to Anyira’s aunt Mary Mukhonje, Anyira had threatened to drop out of school because he found studies difficult, and a waste of time. 

“He kept saying that he felt like he was wasting school fees because he wasn’t understanding anything in school,” Mukhonje explained. 

The boy, who is an orphan, met his demise at the home of his grandparents in Soysambu, where he had been living for the past month. 

Reports indicate that Anyira had run away from his aunt’s house to avoid going to school. 

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The aunt noted that the deceased left her home following her persistence and encouragement for him to pursue education, believing it would be the key to changing his life.

Anyira’s grandfather is said to have encouraged him to continue his education and even volunteered to drive him back to school the next day, only for him to commit suicide the next day. 

“My grandchild and I prepared certain chemicals ready to spray the cattle. His grandpa handed him the remaining chemical and asked him to keep it safely as he had planned to use it later,” said Ezna Anyira, the grandmother.

Sadly, the boy consumed the chemicals without the knowledge of his grandparents. 

“He had foam coming out of his mouth, so we rushed him to Matunda hospital,  where he was later pronounced dead,” added the grandmother.

Joseph Shikuku, the area’s Assistant Chief confirmed the incident and urged parents to guide and counsel their children to prevent such cases.

“It is very sad news. As a parent, I too have children and face challenges bringing them up. Let’s guide our children, talk and listen to them whenever they seek advice,” said Shikuku.

Anyira’s body was taken to Cherangani mortuary hospital in Trans Nzoia county awaiting autopsy.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Article contributed by Shumi