What caused the deadly toilet collapse at Queen of Angels Academy?
A heartbreaking tragedy struck Queen of Angels Academy in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, after a pit latrine collapsed on Thursday morning, killing three young children and leaving one still unaccounted for. The victims, all ECDE pupils, had just reported to the school for registration when the incident occurred. Rescue efforts managed to recover the bodies of three pupils, while the search for the missing child continues.
Officials have pointed to relentless overnight rains as the cause of the collapse, which weakened the latrine structure. Turbo Deputy County Commissioner Cheseto Charles confirmed that the pit latrine had initially been constructed well, but the damage was “caused by the heavy rain experienced.” His statement echoed the concerns raised by the community about infrastructure safety amid increasingly unpredictable weather.
Who is to blame for the poor infrastructure?
Outraged parents and locals have pointed fingers at construction practices and school management for negligence. Some believe corruption and greed in the building process may have led to the disaster.
“Wajenzi tumekuwa walafi… tumekuwa watu wa kudanganya,” said Josephat Ayora, a grieving parent. Another parent, Mercy Chero, added, “Hivo vyoo vya hao watoto wa chekechea ndio walimu pia wanatumia…”
The latrine was reportedly used not just by pupils but by teachers as well, raising even more alarm about the safety of school facilities.
What’s next for the affected families and community?
The bodies of the three deceased children have been moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and whether more could have been done to prevent the collapse. The community is demanding urgent reforms in school infrastructure policies and strict oversight of construction standards to ensure that no child has to die due to negligence.
By Lucky Anyanje