A somber mood has engulfed Kaplong Boys High School in Bomet County following the sudden and untimely death of its Chief Principal, Mike Yator.
The respected educationist passed away on Tuesday morning in his residence within the school compound, leaving the entire school fraternity shocked and devastated.
A Principal’s Last Day of Service
According to Edmond Rono, Chairperson of the Board of Management (BOM), the news of Yator’s passing has been difficult to comprehend, as he had been in high spirits just a day before.
“He was in good health on Monday, warmly welcoming students back from their midterm break,” Rono said in a statement.
On that day, Yator officiated a student assembly, briefing learners on new school expectations and planned adjustments to their routines. He later chaired a staff meeting, passionately discussing the school’s progress and strategic plans for the remainder of the term.
In the evening, the principal supervised students during supper and preps, before meeting with his two deputy principals and the bursar to finalize preparations for a scheduled Teachers Service Commission (TSC) assessment the following day. He then retired to his house, unknowingly spending his last night within the school he so diligently served.
A Shocking Discovery
On Tuesday morning, Yator was scheduled to attend a meeting but was unusually late, raising concern among staff. A teacher was sent to check on him at his residence, only to make a grim discovery—the principal’s lifeless body lying on the floor of his sitting room.
Security agents were immediately alerted, and after confirming his untimely death, his body was transferred to Siloam Hospital Mortuary in Kericho County.
Investigations into Mysterious Death
While no cause of death has been officially determined, Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga assured the public that investigations have been launched.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Bomet branch has called on authorities to thoroughly probe the circumstances surrounding his passing, emphasizing that he appeared perfectly healthy the day before.
Final Farewell Plans
According to the school’s Board of Management, a requiem mass will be held at Kaplong Boys High School on March 12, before his final sendoff on March 15 at his home in Elgeyo Marakwet.
As students, teachers, and education stakeholders come to terms with the sudden loss of a visionary leader, tributes continue to pour in, honoring Mike Yator’s unwavering dedication to education and the bright future he envisioned for his students.
His death leaves a huge void in Kenya’s education sector, and as investigations continue, the school community remains hopeful for answers and closure.
