A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate collapsed on Tuesday morning at Sironga Girls High School in Nyamira County after allegedly being slapped multiple times by a Ministry of Education official.

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. when Beatrice Kendi, a quality assurance officer, was conducting a routine inspection in the exam room.

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According to a police report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the officer suspected the student was chewing something unusual, which prompted her to question the candidate. After an unsuccessful search for any prohibited items, Kendi reportedly slapped the student several times.

Following the incident, the student reportedly remained uneasy during the exam and later collapsed as it concluded around 10 a.m. She was given first aid at the school dispensary and was subsequently discharged before being admitted to the hospital for further care.

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The event has sparked public outcry and led to a visit from education and security officials, who are looking into the matter. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have also launched an investigation.

This incident comes just weeks after another tragic event at the school, where a Form Four student died after falling from a second-floor hostel.