Bunda. Six teachers at Makongoro Secondary School in Bunda District are being held by police following the death of a Form Six student who allegedly collapsed and later died after being beaten over poor performance in a mock examination.
The deceased, identified as 23-year-old Peter Marire, was studying Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM) at the school.
Mara Regional Police Commander Pius Lutumo confirmed the incident to Mwananchi on Friday, August 21, 2026, saying police and medical experts were investigating the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
“Indeed, the incident occurred and we are already holding six teachers. Investigations are ongoing, so we urge students and members of the public to remain calm,” Commander Lutumo said.
He said police were conducting a thorough investigation, with medical experts working to establish the exact cause of Marire's death.
Police were also deployed to the school to strengthen security after students became distressed and reportedly threatened to cause unrest.
According to information from the school, Marire was among students who performed poorly in the mock examination and were subjected to corporal punishment.
A source who asked not to be named said individual subject teachers punished students who had performed poorly before other teachers also joined in.
The source said Marire complained that he was feeling unwell and asked to rest, but his request was allegedly ignored. He later collapsed and lost consciousness while the punishment was continuing.
“His fellow students were later instructed to take him to the dormitory, but his condition continued to deteriorate,” the source said.
The students subsequently took him to Bunda District Council Hospital, located near the school, where he later died, according to the source.
Family receives devastating news
Marire's father, Everest Marire, told Mwananchi that the incident occurred on August 19 and that the family was informed that his son had been admitted to hospital after allegedly being assaulted by some teachers.
He said he and other relatives travelled from Musoma to Bunda, but on arriving at the hospital, they were told that Marire was in critical condition and was being prepared for referral.
“I was later called inside and asked whether my son had any underlying health problem. I told them he had none, and that was when I was informed that he had already died,” he said.
Marire's body was taken to Musoma for a post-mortem examination as the family awaits the findings.
His sister, Sherida Marire, said the family was devastated by his death, particularly because their mother died in April this year.
She said Marire appeared to have gone through a difficult period following their mother's death, which the family believes may have affected his academic performance.
However, she said he had previously performed well at school, having completed Form Four with Division One and 11 points.
The investigation is continuing as police and medical experts work to establish the circumstances and cause of the student's death.
