Ruto visits Kapsabet school for the deaf, donates Sh5 million after septic tank tragedy

A school visit by William Ruto turned tragic after a septic tank collapsed at Kapsabet School for the Deaf, leaving one pupil dead and several others injured.

According to school officials, the pupils had climbed onto a slab covering the septic tank to catch a glimpse of the presidential motorcade moments before the structure suddenly caved in. At least eleven pupils reportedly fell into the septic tank when the slab gave way.

On hearing the reports, the Head of State made a stop at the school where he expressed regret for the disaster.

Teachers, police officers and rescuers rushed to the scene in a desperate effort to save the children before they were taken to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for emergency treatment.

The President had been scheduled to visit the institution after a stop at the nearby Kapsabet Girls High School, located about five kilometres away.

Following the incident, the Head of State visited the school to assess the situation and offer support to the affected learners and staff. During the visit, he donated Sh5 million for the development of infrastructure at the affected school.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as the structure collapsed.

“Screams and commotion filled the school compound moments after the structure collapsed,” said Mary Chelagat, one of the onlookers who witnessed the rescue efforts.

The incident was confirmed by Dr Angeline Kirui, who said most of the injured pupils were receiving treatment at the referral hospital.

According to Dr Kirui, eight of the pupils were reported to be in stable condition, while two were in critical condition and another required specialised medical care.

“They were standing on the septic tank watching events at their neighbouring school, Kapsabet Girls, where the President was supposed to tour when the slab caved in and trapped them,” she said.

One of the critically injured pupils later succumbed to injuries after being rushed to hospital.

The tragedy has sparked emotional reactions among parents, residents and social media users, with many raising concerns about safety standards in schools, particularly institutions that cater for children with special needs.