A sombre mood has engulfed Mogogosiek area in Konoin Sub-County, Bomet County, following the sudden death of an 18-year-old Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate who had been living with epilepsy.
The student, identified as Gideon Kiprop Ngeno, reportedly died in his sleep at his family home after spending the evening with his relatives.
According to Konoin Sub-County Police Commander Mohammed Godana, the incident was reported in the morning after Gideon failed to wake up and join his family for breakfast, raising concerns among his relatives.
Upon checking on him, family members reportedly found him unresponsive, prompting efforts to seek medical assistance.
Gideon, a day scholar at Ngererit Senior School, had spent the previous evening with his family after having supper. He was reportedly in a cheerful mood before retiring to his usual sleeping room for the night.
His father, Charles Langat, said the family was shocked by the sudden turn of events, revealing that his son was pronounced dead on arrival at Mogogosiek Dispensary.
The body was subsequently transferred to Kapkatet Hospital mortuary, where it was preserved as arrangements for further procedures were made.
Langat disclosed that Gideon had been living with epilepsy since his primary school years but had shown considerable improvement over time.
The family had reportedly grown accustomed to managing his condition, making his sudden death particularly devastating.
The tragedy comes at a difficult time for the family, as Gideon was among thousands of candidates preparing to sit their KCSE examinations, marking an important milestone in their academic journey.
His death has also drawn attention to the challenges faced by families caring for people living with epilepsy, a neurological condition that requires appropriate medical attention and continued management.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with the family left mourning the loss of a young student whose life was cut short just as he prepared to complete his secondary school education.
