Autopsy Reveals What Killed Form Four Student at Njoro Girls

Njoro Girls Senior School in Nakuru County was closed indefinitely following student unrest over the death of 18-year-old Form Four student, Brenda Akinyi.

The closure came after protests by parents and residents who demanded answers over how the school handled her illness.

Brenda died at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital after reportedly falling ill while at school.

Her family had raised concerns about delayed medical attention and late communication from the institution, sparking tension that led to police dispersing demonstrators outside the school.

Pathologists who conducted a postmortem examination on Brenda’s body on February 3, 2026, now say the suspected cause of death was cerebral malaria- a severe form of malaria that affects the brain.

Autopsy Results 

Speaking moments after the exercise at the Egerton University morgue, Dr. Titus Ngulungu revealed that Brenda’s lungs were congested, her brain was inflamed, and she lacked oxygen.

Dr. Titus stated: “I see she had acute febrile illness, which we’re still researching. Personally, when asked, I can just say it is cerebral malaria.”

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Another doctor who participated in the postmortem explained the nature of the illness, saying: “It’s an acute illness.

“Acute illness means it’s a process that has developed within very few days. Yes, so if you give the treatment at the right time, then you’ll be able to manage the condition.”

The findings suggest that the condition could potentially have been managed if diagnosed and treated early.

Also Read: Autopsy Shows Two Men Died After Being Forced to Swallow Raw Maize and Pepper

School Apologises as Students Sent Home

The family says Njoro Girls High School management has since apologised following the unfortunate events.

A school representative said: “Njoro Girls have sought forgiveness and they really wished they helped the student because they did attend to her till the last minute and all that transpired wasn’t according to their wish as they never had any malicious intent.”

The developments came just hours after the school was closed indefinitely due to tension witnessed since the incident on January 30, 2026.

Form Three and Form Four students were released to go home, while Grade 10 learners remain in school.

Students are expected to resume classes on Sunday, February 8.

Burial Plans

Meanwhile, the family has confirmed that Brenda Akinyi will be laid to rest on February 14 in Siaya County as investigations into the circumstances surrounding her illness and death continue.

Authorities are expected to rely on the final postmortem report to guide any further action.

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Students pictured in City street going home
PHOTO/File