A 16-year-old student at Thika High School died following a physical confrontation with a classmate over leading Friday evening prayers. Police arrested the other student, also a minor, and investigations are underway.
Mohamed Hare collapsed during the brief fight at the school and was taken to Thika Level 5 Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The confrontation occurred after prayers on Friday evening when students disagreed over who would lead the session. Fellow students reported that the altercation lasted less than five minutes.
Police have detained the other student at Thika Police Station as the prime suspect. Detectives are collecting witness statements and forensic evidence to determine the exact sequence of events. The arrested student is expected to appear in court on Monday.
Principal Julius Muraya notified the school community and families. Mohamed's mother, Noor Hassan, viewed the body at General Kago Mortuary. Parents stated they learned of the death through a police call rather than direct school contact. The body awaits postmortem examination.