School Fight or Fatal Fall? Mystery Surrounds Death of Thika High Student

Police are investigating the death of a 16-year-old Grade 10 student at Thika High School after an incident on the night of 10 July. 

A 17-year-old student has been taken into custody for questioning as detectives work to establish the circumstances that led to the boy's death. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a full investigation into the death of Mohamed Hare following conflicting accounts of what happened. 

Police said preliminary findings indicate that an altercation took place before the student suffered a fatal fall, but investigators have not yet established exactly how the incident unfolded. Central Region Criminal Investigations Officer Dr Mugambi Nkingo said witness statements collected so far confirm that a quarrel occurred before the fall.

Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence from the scene to determine the sequence of events and establish what happened. Mohamed's family said they received conflicting information after the incident. They said they were first told that he had been involved in a fight before later being informed, on arriving at the school, that he had died.

Family spokesperson Jamal Aidid said the relatives want a full account of the incident supported by evidence. He said the family had received inconsistent information and expected investigators to establish the facts. 

Mohamed's mother, Noor Hassan, said she was devastated by the loss of her son and had placed her trust in Allah while hoping the investigation would provide answers. Thika High School said it is cooperating with investigators and the Teachers Service Commission. 

Principal Julius Muraya said teachers responded immediately after being alerted to the incident, provided first aid and arranged for Mohamed to be taken to Thika Level Five Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He also offered condolences to the family and said the school would continue to support the investigation.

The case has been recorded under Occurrence Book number 02/11/07/26, and Mohamed's body has been transferred to General Kago Mortuary.