A family in Machakos County has been plunged into grief following the tragic death of Samwel Munyao, a Grade 10 student at Ngelani Boys High School, who was killed in a freak accident involving a faulty water bowser inside the school compound.
The Incident
Preliminary reports indicate that the tragedy occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, when Munyao and other students were assisting in pushing the bowser, which was allegedly often faulty. Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) suggest that Munyao attempted to ride the vehicle but slipped, fatally pressing against the pavement by the rear side of the bowser.
He was rushed to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was later moved to the hospital morgue.
Family’s Grievances
The family, led by Charles Makau, expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s explanation, terming it evasive and unjustifiable. Munyao’s elder brother, Brian Makau, questioned why students were allegedly being pulled from class to push a faulty vehicle.
“Why should learners be exposed to such risks?” Brian asked.
The siblings are total orphans, and the family said they received news of the incident through their grandmother, Joyce Mwikali, who is also their guardian.
Investigations and Legal Action
Machakos Sub-county DCI Nzioka Singi confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. The driver of the lorry a KAL 048U Isuzu water bowser identified as Wilson Mbithi was released on cash bail and is expected to face charges of causing death.
A postmortem examination has been scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Renewed Concerns Over Student Safety
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern over student safety in schools, coming just days after another case in the area where a student at Katoloni Secondary School reportedly died under unclear circumstances.
