In Loving Memory of Zaitun Idris (Sept 20, 2001 – April 17, 2018)

We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of Zaitun Idris. On the morning of April 17th, Zaitun Idris, Class of 2019, abruptly passed away after an unforeseeable accident. She is survived by her father and three siblings. The loss of Zaitun is sorely felt by her family, friends, and the entire Daraja Academy community. We miss her so much.

We knew that Zaitun was special from the moment she first interviewed to be a student at Daraja. Some people move a room the moment they enter it, and Zaitun was one of them. She was from a tiny village called Gamachu in Merti. Despite the geographic isolation, Zaitun had earned a high grade of 306 on her primary school exams. We knew right then that she was a Daraja girl.

Zaitun quickly became a school leader as soon as she arrived on campus. She particularly stood out as an athlete: Sports teacher Carol reflected, “I have lost my netball sport defender. Zaitun was such a strong player.” A practicing Muslim, Zaitun was a campus spiritual leader. She was also a role model to many of the new Form 1 students in the Class of 2021. Lavender (Class of 2017), Zaitun’s academic “auntie,” described Zaitun as very helpful, and that “she made the family happy at all times.”

Although Zaitun had lived a combative existence with the wildlife in her area (elephant, lion, leopard, etc.) while growing up, she quickly developed a passion for conservation. Zaitun believed that conserving Kenya’s natural resources was key to her community and country’s future. She embodied all of the qualities of a changemaker.

Zaitun Idris will be remembered for her warmth, charm and the positive impact she had on everyone she met. Undoubtedly, Zaitun will continue to walk as a true Woman of Integrity, Strength and Hope.