Grief has engulfed Unity Senior School in Naivasha following the death of 26-year-old mathematics and physics teacher Allan Chege Njenga, whose body was found in his rented house in Karai Estate after he failed to report for a school educational trip.

‎According to a teacher in the school who spoke on conditions of anonymity, Njenga had been assigned by the school to help organize transport for students travelling on an educational trip.

‎‎They claim the school administration had given him Sh 44,000 as a deposit to secure a bus for the journey.

‎‎The teacher alleges that the young teacher lost the money through betting, leaving him unable to pay for the bus.

‎‎"On the morning the students were scheduled to travel, repeated calls to his phone went unanswered, prompting concern among the school administration, “they noted.

‎‎Naivasha Sub-county Police Commander Willison Sigei said the school management alerted police after they were unable to reach Njenga, who was among the teachers expected to accompany students on the trip.

‎‎"When the school called the teacher who was among those taking students on a trip, he did not answer. This prompted the school management, together with police officers, to break into his house, where his lifeless body was found," said Sigei.

‎‎Police forced entry into the teacher's rented house in Karai Estate, where they recovered his body.

‎‎Sigei said the cause of death has not yet been established and that investigators did not recover a suicide note from the scene.

‎‎"The cause of death is still unknown, and no suicide note was left behind," he said, adding that investigations are ongoing.

‎‎The incident has sparked debate over the impact of gambling among young professionals, with the deceased's colleagues urging the government to tighten regulation of betting firms and strengthen mental health support for teachers.

‎‎"We wish to see these adverts running called for what they are 'silent killers'. Many young people are pursuing quick wealth only to end up trapped in financial and emotional distress. Because we have lost a vibrant and brilliant teacher who related well with students," they noted.

‎They also appealed to the government to introduce stronger mental health programmes for teachers, noting that many struggle under the weight of financial pressures, loans and the high cost of living.

‎‎"Teachers carry a heavy burden. Many are left with very little after deductions and loan repayments. They need access to counsellors and psychologists where they can openly discuss the challenges they face before situations become tragic," they said.

‎‎She further warned that gambling-related financial problems often fuel domestic conflicts and can contribute to cases of gender-based violence, calling for urgent interventions to address gambling addiction among young people.

‎‎As police continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Allan Chege Njenga's death, the colleagues hope his passing will serve as a wake-up call on the dangers of gambling addiction and the importance of expanding mental health support for teachers and other professionals facing financial and emotional challenges.

wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

Naivasha teacher takes own life after gambling away Sh 44,000 meant for school trip

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