A family in Nakuru is living through every parent’s worst nightmare after their 15-year-old son died from severe burn injuries that he reportedly sustained while at his boarding school. As they prepare to lay him to rest, they are demanding a thorough and transparent investigation, insisting that the explanation given by the school leaves too many unanswered questions.
Peter Ndirangu, a student at Pangani Special School, reportedly suffered extensive burns during morning activities at the institution. According to the school’s account, the tragic incident occurred while Peter was being bathed by a member of staff. Another student allegedly pushed him into a basin of hot water, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.
Peter was rushed to hospital for treatment but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
His grieving mother, Margaret Ndirangu, recalled the painful moment the school’s principal came to inform her about the incident. She said the principal arrived at around 7 a.m. and explained that Peter had accidentally fallen into the hot water after allegedly being pushed by another student.
However, the family says that explanation simply does not match the severity of the injuries their son suffered.
Peter’s relative, Maina, revealed that doctors informed them Peter had burns covering approximately 52 percent of his body. He questioned how such devastating injuries could have resulted from the circumstances described by the school.
“The hospital told us Peter had burns covering 52 percent of his body. Those are massive injuries. We are not convinced by the school’s explanation. We believe there is more to this incident, and we want the truth to come out,” he said.
The family’s concerns have also been echoed by neighbours, who questioned why it allegedly took several hours before the school informed Peter’s parents about the tragedy.
Neighbour Mwaniki Wanjeri said the incident reportedly occurred at around 6 a.m., yet the family was only notified close to midday.
“If this happened at 6 a.m., why did the family have to wait until almost noon to be informed? That delay is difficult to understand. The family is devastated after losing their child,” he said.
As grief continues to engulf the family, police have now stepped in to establish exactly what happened.
Nakuru East Sub-County Police Commander Isaac Kimwele confirmed that investigations into Peter’s death are underway, with detectives expected to interview witnesses and review all available evidence.
Meanwhile, Peter’s family is making funeral arrangements at their home in Kasambara Estate, Nakuru East, even as they continue to plead for justice.
For the grieving family, burying their son will not end the search for answers. They say they will not find peace until investigators establish exactly what happened during Peter’s final moments and whether anyone should be held accountable.
