Tragic Discovery of a Missing Teacher’s Body in River
The body of Simon Shange, a teacher from PAG Manyuki Mixed Secondary School in Lugari Sub-County, has been found after a five-day search. Shange went missing on Monday and was later discovered floating in the River Chekalini on Saturday morning. Passers-by who spotted the body reported the incident to local authorities, leading to the retrieval of his remains.
Shange’s body was taken by Lumakanda DCI officers to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret for further examination. Authorities are currently conducting investigations to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
Shange had been reported missing after leaving his home in the Milimani area to collect KCSE examination papers from the Lugari Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner’s office. His wife, Salome Mukuna, shared details about the last moments before his disappearance. She said her husband left home around 5:30 am with the intention of collecting the examination papers and delivering them to the school.
“He left home at around 5:30 am to collect examination papers from the container at Lugari DCC office and deliver them to school,” she explained. However, he never returned, and the family began searching for him immediately.
Residents later discovered Shange’s vehicle, which appeared to have been involved in a road accident at the Muge area. Despite extensive searches in nearby hospitals and mortuaries, the family could not locate him until they received news that his body had been found in the river.
Community and Officials Respond to Tragedy
Lugari Sub-County Police Commander Robert Kurgat confirmed that police officers had joined the family in their search efforts for Shange. The community expressed deep sorrow over the incident, and the tragedy has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into the events leading up to his death.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula visited the home of the deceased and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances of Shange’s death. During a burial service held in Lumakanda on Saturday, Savula addressed mourners and emphasized the importance of ensuring that all details of the principal’s death are fully investigated.
He also raised concerns about the discovery of Shange’s vehicle at the accident scene and the tragic finding of his body in the river. The incident has left many questioning what exactly happened during the time he was missing.
Calls for Justice and Clarity
Johnston Wabuti, chairman of Kakamega County Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), urged police to expedite their investigations and provide clarity on the events surrounding Shange’s death. He highlighted the importance of understanding how the incident occurred to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to support justice for the family.
Wabuti stressed that the community needs answers to move forward and ensure that such incidents do not happen again. The loss of a respected teacher has deeply affected the school and the wider community, and there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability.
Ongoing Investigations
As the investigation continues, the community awaits further updates on the circumstances of Shange’s death. The case has drawn attention to the need for improved safety measures and better communication during critical times, such as when important documents like examination papers are being transported.