Dennis Kamunya: University of Nairobi Medical Student Found Dead inside School Swimming Pool After Posting Farewell Notes Online
A third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery student at the University of Nairobi (UoN) was found dead at the bottom of the campus swimming pool on the morning of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
According to a statement by the University of Nairobi Students’ Association (UNSA), Dennis Kamunya was discovered in the early hours of the day.
UNSA described him as a bright and promising student, admired for his dedication, warmth, and quiet strength.
“”It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague, Ndini Dennis Kamunya. Dennis was a bright and promising student, known for his dedication to his studies, his warmth and his quiet strength,” said Joseph Kariuki Njogu the faculty governor, in the condolence message.
“His passing is a painful loss not only to his classmates and lecturers, but also to the entire Health Science community.”
The union further urged students to prioritise mental health by fostering open conversations and supporting one another during difficult times.
“As a community of future healthcare providers, we must continue to normalise open conversations about mental well-being, checking in on each other, and seeking help when we need it,” the statement added.
“No one should have to struggle in silence.”
It is suspected that Kamunya died by suicide, following a series of farewell messages posted on his social media pages.
The deceased had posted a series of cryptic suicide messages on his WhatsApp status and X (formerly Twitter), with several posts alluding to a swimming pool.
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Kamunya Shares Cryptic Message
In one of his WhatsApp statuses, he wrote: “At the bottom of the pool. Down where the water is silent and deep, I rest where the bubbles and secrets sleep. I didn’t mean to cause a fuss or offence, but better to drown than live forever tense.”
“At the bottom of the swimming pool. Apologies for any resulting inconvenience.”
At the same time, in his official X account, Kamunya wrote,” The greatest thing about my life was that I got to learn about evolution. I belonged to one of the few generations that got to know how and possibly why we are here.”
He added,” Even though anxiety/depression/drug addiction kicked my ass, I still count myself lucky.”
UoN students are only allowed to swim at the campus pool in the afternoons.
