Heartbreak has struck a family in Runyenjes, Embu county, after their 15-year-old son, Shelton Caleb, a Form Two student at St Francis Kanja Secondary School, was hit and killed by a colleague.

Shelton’s young life was cut short following injuries sustained in a reported altercation with a schoolmate earlier last week.

What began as a seemingly minor incident spiralled into a tragedy that has left the family searching for answers. According to Shelton’s father, Kiema Luke, the teen was injured on the arm during the confrontation and was rushed to a local hospital last Tuesday, January 21.

By the next day, the family was asked to take him home, but his condition deteriorated rapidly. Shelton was eventually transferred to Radiant Hospital in Nairobi, where he passed away while awaiting surgery.

“His death came as a devastating blow. We are still struggling to understand what exactly happened to our son,” said Kiema, speaking through tears.

Efforts to obtain clarity from the school have only added to the family’s pain. Despite an earlier agreement between Shelton’s mother, Leah Kiema, and the school’s principal to meet, the family was met with locked gates when they arrived. Attempts to contact the principal went unanswered.

“I called and sent messages, but they ignored me. The lack of communication is suspicious, and it feels like there’s something they’re hiding,” Leah said, her voice trembling with frustration.

The family has accused the school of withholding crucial information about the incident. “We just want the truth. We cannot mourn in peace until we know what really happened,” added a distraught family spokesperson.

The Embu OCPD, Anthony Maina, confirmed that a report on Shelton’s death has been filed and assured the family that investigations are ongoing.

“We are working to uncover the facts surrounding the incident. A post-mortem will determine the cause of death,” Maina stated.