The Ministry of Education has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic death of three-year-old Faiz Faraji, a playgroup pupil at Gilgil Hills Academy in Gilgil Sub-County, Nakuru County.

The child drowned in a school fish pond on Friday, March 27, 2026, prompting widespread concern over school safety and contradictions in the accounts provided by the institution.

Family’s anguish and conflicting accounts

According to the Ministry’s statement on March 29, 2026, the loss of the young learner is “painful and sorrowful.”

The Ministry expressed condolences to the Faraji family and called for strict adherence to school safety protocols in both public and private institutions. An inquiry has been commissioned in collaboration with relevant investigative agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Ministry, working together with the relevant investigative agencies, has commissioned an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident, for appropriate action.”

The family’s ordeal began when the school initially informed them that Faiz had been rushed to hospital due to illness and fever, providing vague details. Later, his body was discovered in a fish pond within the school compound.

The family says Faiz left home that morning full of life, only to be met with devastating news hours later. Headteacher Joseph Kihato recounted efforts to resuscitate the boy before transferring him to Gilgil Sub-County Hospital, but Faiz was pronounced dead.

An initial autopsy by pathologist Titus Ngulungu reportedly indicated death from lack of oxygen, consistent with drowning.

Discrepancies and calls for accountability

The family disputes the school’s narrative, claiming it contradicts the initial information they received. Relatives, including father Ibrahim Faraji and family friend Dickson Ndirangu, confronted teachers at the morgue, demanding clarity.

“How did the child get into the fishpond? … There, everyone akanyamaza,” Ibrahim stated.

Some reports suggest the postmortem found no water in Faiz’s lungs or digestive system, pointing instead to severe head injuries.

The family has requested the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) homicide team to take over, seeking full access to CCTV footage and other evidence. The toddler reportedly went missing around 10:00 a.m. and was found approximately three hours later.

Safety concerns

The tragedy has left Gilgil residents grieving and demanding accountability, highlighting the need for constant supervision of young learners, especially near hazards such as ponds.

Education stakeholders stress the importance of fencing dangerous areas, maintaining adequate teacher-to-pupil ratios, and ensuring emergency response protocols are in place.