Form 3 student commits suicide after being pushed to attend school

Austeen Anyira, 17,  a student at Mtoni High School was reported to have taken the poison inside a hut on Monday, only to be found unconscious.

According to the aunt Mary Mukhonje, Anyira had been threatening to drop out of school having complained that studies were difficult - and a waste of time.

"He kept saying that he felt like he was wasting school fees as he wasn't grasping anything in school," said the aunt.

Anyira, an orphan, had died at his grandparents home in Soysambu where he has been living for the last one month

He is said to have escaped his aunt's home to avoid attending school.

According to the aunt, the deceased escaped from her home as she kept pestering and encouraging him with to embrace education - believing it had the key to change his life. 

Anyira's grandfather is said to have encouraged him to continue with his education - and had even volunteered to take him back to school the next day, only for him to take his life.

"My grandchild and I prepared certain chemicals ready to spray the cattle. His grandpa handed him the remaining chemical and asked him to keep it safely as he had planned to use it later," said Ezna Anyira, the grandmother.

The boy is said to have consumed the chemical - without their knowledge.

"Foam was coming out of his mouth, we rushed him to Matunda hospital where he was later pronounced dead," added the grandmother.

Areas Assistant Chief Joseph Shikuku confirmed the incident, and urged parents to guide and counsel their children to prevent such cases.

"It is a very sad news. As a parent, I too have children and face challenges bringing them up. Let's guide our children, talk and listen to them whenever they seek advice," said Mr Shikuku.

Anyira's body was taken to Cherangani mortuary hospital in Trans Nzoia county awaiting autopsy.