Before tragedy struck, eight-year-old Glen Karanja walked six kilometres every day to attend school.This long trek wasn’t a choice made by his parents for fun or freedom — it was a necessity for families living in Bahati. With no nearby government school in Kirima, parents have no option but to enrol their children in Lenana Primary or Workers Primary, both located far from the settlements.
The journey to school is often harsh. Children face unpredictable weather, early morning darkness, and long distances — all in pursuit of a basic education. Glen’s aunt, Miriam Wairimu, explains that the lack of a closer school puts young lives at constant risk.
Recently, the rains have made things worse. The road that children normally use has become dangerous due to flash floods. To shorten their walk, many children pass through Milimani, a route that has become risky during rainy seasons.
Glen’s mother, Priscilla Wanjiru, says her son lost his life while using this path. She’s now calling on Bahati MP Irene Njoki to consider building a primary or secondary school within reach of their community, to ease the burden and danger for local families.
Glen was swept away by floodwaters during a heavy downpour. His cousin, Francis Gatonga, found him still trapped in a ditch after people nearby were unable to reach him. With the help of good Samaritans, they managed to recover his body.
Karanja, a Grade Two pupil at Lenana Primary School, was heading home with his cousin and other children when he slipped. His body was later found more than a kilometre away and taken to the Nakuru City mortuary.
