A somber mood engulfed Milimani village in Migori County after the body of a Form Two student was discovered hanging from a tree in a neighbor’s farm, in what is suspected to be a case of suicide.
According to the deceased’s family, the 17-year-old girl left home on the night before her body was found after an interaction with her mother regarding her school performance. The mother had asked her to present her report card, which the student initially claimed to have forgotten at school. However, the report card was later discovered in her schoolbag.
Lower Magungu sub-location Assistant Chief George Owino noted that the student might have been afraid of how her academic performance would be received by her family. “From preliminary investigations, it appears she may have felt pressured or ashamed about her results,” Owino stated.
Her family members, worried about her disappearance that night, launched a search. Their worst fears were confirmed the following morning when her body was found hanging from a tree at a neighbor’s farm.
The tragic incident has sparked conversations about mental health awareness, particularly among students facing academic pressure. Experts in adolescent psychology emphasize the need for open communication between parents and children to address school-related anxieties. Many students experience immense pressure to meet academic expectations, which can sometimes result in severe emotional distress.
Authorities have since launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. The body was transferred to Sori Lakeside Mortuary, where an autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.
Meanwhile, community leaders and education officials have urged parents, teachers, and guardians to adopt a more supportive approach when addressing academic performance with students. They stress the importance of fostering environments where students feel safe discussing their struggles without fear of harsh judgment or reprimand.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and mental health support systems in schools and homes. Educational stakeholders are calling for more counseling programs in schools to help students navigate academic and personal challenges in a healthy way.
Authorities are urging parents to be attentive to signs of distress in their children and to seek professional help where necessary, ensuring that students feel supported both at school and at home.
