KJSEA student disappears in Kerugoya after allegedly being forced to transfer to cheaper school

The family of a 14-year-old boy, Benjamin Maingi Syombua, is appealing for help to trace him after he disappeared from home three days ago.

The disappearance followed a conversation during which his parents informed him they could not afford to send him to the secondary school he had been admitted to due to the high cost of tuition.

Benjamin recently completed his KJSEA examinations at Kaitheri Primary School in Kerugoya.

He went to collect his results, and his teacher confirmed to his mother that he arrived and received them.

“Alitoka huku on Tuesday, siku ya Jumanne alikuwa anaendea result at Kaitheri Primary School. Alienda kitu kama saa mbili akafika vizuri lakini kutoka aendee hajarudi kutoka Tuesday, alifika shule na akachukua na hajulikani alienda wapi mpaka wa leo,” said Benjamin’s mother Rachel Syombua.

According to his family, Benjamin had been promised that he would be enrolled in a secondary school that was within their financial means. However, it is suspected that the parents’ decision may have deeply upset him.

“Alikuwa amepita sana, alikuwa ameitwa Kianyaga, Kerugoya Mbaricho, lakini alikuwa anataka sana kwenda Mbaricho. Lakini wazazi wake walikuwa wanasema watampeleka Kianyaga. Sababu si kupenda kwetu, hata tungejua ati tukose kumpeleka atapotea, si tungetafuta njia ingine,” Benjamin’s aunt Cecily Wawira stated.

Benjamin’s mother Rachel Syombua added, “Nimekuwa na wasiwasi sana kwa maana hata silali, sikuli kwa maana si kawaida kijana wangu anaenda na anaenda na hajui hata mamangu yuko aje. Mimi niko na stress sana na yeye, niko na stress za kumtafuta nimuone tu akiwa hai.”

For a week now, the family has searched for him without success.

 “Tunamuomba mahali ako tafadhali asikie, tafadhali tafadhali kwa upendo wa Mungu arudi nyumbani. Tunamngojea, tunampenda. Hakuna mtu atamuuliza swali yoyote,” his mother added.

Meanwhile, students who sat the KJSEA exams are expected to begin reporting to their respective secondary schools starting January 12, even as anxiety over Benjamin Maingi’s whereabouts continues to grow.