Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega County was closed indefinitely on Monday, April 3, following the deaths of two students owing to a suspected case of food and water poisoning. 

Reports indicated that out of the 246 students who were hospitalised in the past week, 25 were still admitted at the Kakamega County General Hospital and St Elizabeth Mukumu Mission Hospital.

The students had exhibited signs of vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness.

Their samples were collected and sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) for analysis to arrive at the cause of the outbreak. 

Mukumu Girls' board of management chairman, Josphat Kaswira recently affirmed that corrective measures would be taken to prevent future occurrences. 

He added that out of 2,108 students in the institution, 400 were yet to report to school after the half-term break. 

The outbreak led to politicians calling for urgent measures to be taken to curb the cases from rapidly increasing.

“There are 20 new cases of students being admitted to hospital, presenting the same symptoms. This is a serious matter that must be addressed."

"It is sad that more than 200 girls are affected. This calls for the attention of all leaders in the county. I propose that the principal is assisted by the Ministry of Education in closing the school because the lives of students are in danger,"  Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale stated during a tour of the school on Friday, March 31.

Shinyalu MP Frederick Ikana, however, countered Khalwale's call to close the school, arguing that the move would delay the school calendar. 

“There are procedures which must be followed before the school is closed. The mandate lies with the Ministry of Education. 

"I appeal for calm and ask people to stop speculating about the situation. We wish those undergoing treatment a quick recovery,” he stated.