Njoro Girls student died of Cerebral Malaria, post-mortem confirms

The death of Brenda Akinyi, a Form Four student at Njoro Girls High School, was caused by cerebral malaria.

The postmortem was carried out on Wednesday by government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu together with the family’s doctor, Dr Wangari Wambui at Egerton University mortuary.

According to Dr Ngulungu, Akinyi had no visible injuries on her body, however, her lungs and brain were swollen and filled with fluid. 

He also noted signs of cyanosis, showing that Akinyi was dehydrated and had low oxygen levels.

“As a result of my examination I have formed the opinion, the cause of death was brain swelling and lack of oxygen due to lung congestion. The student had an acute feverish illness, which points to cerebral malaria,” Dr Ngulungu says.

Dr Wambui supported these findings, adding that Akinyi had increased pressure in the brain and fluid in the lungs. She further added that additional tests will be conducted.

“We are thinking of malaria but it can also be anything else.  It is an acute illness that develops within a few days, if given treatment at the early on you can be able to manage the condition. We are going to do other tests to be able to see the underlying cause. We have collected samples for intoxocoligal and toxicological examination.” says Dr Wambui

 Akinyi's death sparked demonstrations by residents of Njoro creating tension at Njoro Girls high school which resulted to form Three and Four students being sent home on Tuesday.

Akinyi student died on Saturday morning at Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital while receiving treatment after she fell in while in school on January 28 after which her mother rushed her to the hospital on January 31, but doctors could not save her.

A close family friend Pastor Gideon Luvisia, says the family accepted the postmortem results and asked the public to stop speculation on social media.

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