KCSE candidate who died after Chemistry practical had tuberculosis

A postmortem report on the body of a KCSE candidate who died in Nakuru has revealed that he was suffering from tuberculosis.

Also Read: Gov’t on the spot as chemical in KCSE practicals harms candidates, teachers

The student died days after sitting for the Chemistry practical exam with colleagues claiming that one of the chemicals in the room had poisoned him.

On Friday, Rongai Deputy County Commissioner Julius Kavita said Victor Kiptoo could have been treated if the disease had been detected earlier.

The parents have reportedly accepted the results of the postmortem and will proceed with funeral arrangements.

During the exam, students and teachers had complained that a chemical compound known as xylene had allegedly affected them.

The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers(KUPPET) also reported that several teachers and students across the country had been admitted to hospital due to their contact with xylene.

Education CS George Magoha however shrugged off the claims saying that the substance is not as dangerous as they were claiming.

According to him, it has been used for many years for KCSE exams.