NANDI COUNTY, Kenya — Eleven students from Kapsabet School for the Deaf were hospitalised on Thursday morning after an old septic tank within the school compound collapsed beneath them during an incident linked to the passing motorcade of William Ruto.
According to local authorities, the students had gathered to catch a glimpse of the President as his motorcade passed near the school. In the process, several learners stood on top of an old septic tank structure estimated to be about 20 feet long.
The structure was unable to support the weight of the students and suddenly collapsed, causing 11 learners to fall into the tank.
The incident was confirmed by Angeline Kirui, the County Executive Committee Member (CEC) in charge of disaster response in the area, who was among the first responders at the scene.
Emergency teams, including county disaster officers and rescuers, were quickly dispatched to the school. The injured students were successfully pulled out and rushed to Kapsabet County Referral Hospital for medical attention.
Upon receiving reports of the incident, President Ruto briefly stopped at the school to assess the situation and express regret over the accident.
During the visit, the Head of State announced a Ksh. 5 million donation to support the development and improvement of infrastructure at the institution, aimed at enhancing safety and facilities for students.
Following the stopover, the President proceeded with his scheduled engagements, heading to Kapsabet Girls High School.
Authorities have not yet provided detailed updates on the medical condition of the affected students, but the swift rescue operation is believed to have prevented a more severe outcome.
