JKUAT Denies Missing Marks Claims in Suicide of Two Students

The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has refuted reports that two of its students committed suicide due to missing exam results.

JKUAT Chief Corporate Communications Officer Dr. Joan Mutua in a statement on Friday confirmed the deaths of Lenny Jessy Masiga and Irene Monica Wagichugu, saying that their bodies were discovered in their external hostels.

But Mutua dispelled claims that the two students took their lives due to missing marks, adding that the deceased’s academic records were up to par.

“JKUAT urges the national police service to expedite investigations on the alleged suicide by JKUAT students that was reportedly triggered by claims of 'missing marks,'” Dr. Mutua said in a statement.

“We wish to confirm that Lenny Jessy Masiga and Irene Monica Wagichugu Mwangi were JKUAT students pursuing Strategic Management in the School of Entrepreneurship and BSc Business Computing respectively and that their relevant academic records are in order.”

She added: “According to police report, their bodies were found in their respective hostels outside JKUAT i.e Maya Apartment, Kenyatta Road, and Kwa Njoro Area 2. We convey our condolences to the families, friends and relatives of the deceased.”

The institution further distanced itself from a third person who is said to have died under similar circumstances, saying she was not a student at the Juja-based university.

“Further, we wish to clarify that Lucy Wambui, who is also said to have died by suicide in Kiambu County, is not a student of JKUAT. JKUAT is committed to the wellbeing of its students. This extends to providing comprehensive mental health services through in-house university counselors and organizing students' initiatives within and without the university.”