Kisumu: Tragedy struck Arina Primary School in Kisumu city, when an eight-year-old pupil died after sustaining a severe head injury during a playground accident.
According to Kenya News Agency, the learner, a Grade Two pupil, was playing with classmates on an iron six-seater merry-go-round at around 3:45 p.m. when she slipped and fell. The rotating seats struck her on the head, causing a deep cut and heavy bleeding.
Confirming the incident, Kisumu Central Sub-County Commander Peter Mulai said teachers rushed her to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), but despite frantic efforts by medics, she was pronounced dead at 4:10 p.m. while undergoing treatment. Her body was later moved to the hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem.
The accident has reignited concerns among parents about the safety of play equipment in schools. Jack Opiyo, a parent at the school, urged authorities to enforce stricter safety standards. 'This shows how unsafe some of the playground equipment is. Children should be supervised closely, and the equipment needs regular inspection. We trust schools with our kids, but this incident is very worrying,' he said.