University of Nairobi Student Found Dead in Campus Pool Under Mysterious Conditions
NAIROBI, Kenya
The University of Nairobi is grappling with shock and grief after a third-year medical student, Dennis Kamunya, was found dead in the university’s main campus swimming pool under circumstances yet to be fully established.
The tragic discovery was confirmed in a statement by the University of Nairobi Students’ Association (UNSA) on Tuesday, April 22. According to UNSA Governor Joseph Njogu, Kamunya’s lifeless body was found early that morning, sparking an investigation by campus security and local authorities.
Mental Health Questions Raised After Student’s Final Online Posts
While the official cause of death remains undetermined, the student's recent activity on social media has sparked concern. His posts suggested he had been struggling with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. One poignant message read:
“Even though anxiety/depression/addiction troubled me, I still count myself lucky... I belong to one of the few generations that got to learn about evolution and maybe why we are here.”
Although authorities have not ruled the death a suicide, the context of these posts has prompted wider reflection on the mental health crisis quietly affecting university students across Kenya.
Calls for Support and Awareness Across the Student Community
In its statement, UNSA described Kamunya as a bright and passionate future healthcare professional who made a lasting impression on those around him. They urged students to prioritize mental well-being and use the counselling services available on campus.
“This loss reminds us of the urgent need to foster a culture of openness around mental health,” UNSA stated. “No one should face their struggles alone—check on your friends, speak up, and seek help when it’s needed.”
UNSA’s message resonated with many students, particularly those within the School of Medicine, who expressed sorrow and frustration over the loss of yet another colleague.
Not the First Tragedy at the University
This incident echoes a similar tragedy from September 2024, when a fifth-year medical student was found dead in his residence in a suspected suicide. The recurring nature of such incidents has raised alarms about the pressure medical students face and the perceived gaps in support systems.
Police investigations into Kamunya’s death are ongoing, with authorities withholding conclusive statements pending the outcome of an autopsy.
As the University of Nairobi community mourns, the spotlight is once again on the urgent need for deeper, system-wide conversations on student mental health, academic pressure, and institutional responsibility.
