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School on the spot for allegedly covering up the rape of a student by a teacher
The student’s parents say that the girl was suspended from school for alleged indiscipline in an attempt by the school management to cover up the abuse and protect the teacher.
A school in Kakamega County is on the spot over allegations of attempting to cover up an incident where a teacher is accused of defiling a 16-year-old student.
The student’s parents say that instead of receiving support, the girl was suspended from school for alleged indiscipline, a decision that they believe is a deliberate attempt by the school management to cover up the abuse and protect the teacher involved.
The minor claims she was raped by her teacher in one of the school offices on a Sunday evening while other students attended club activities.
The school, on the other hand, alleges the girl stole reams of paper and was suspended for indiscipline, instructing her to replace 10 reams of photocopy paper. However, the girl’s mother sees this as a deliberate cover-up.
After the incident, her mother took her to the hospital for a medical examination and reported the case to a local police station.
“It is unfortunate that my daughter was caned by her teacher, and our efforts to seek help from the school management have only created hostility between them and my daughter, leading to her suspension,” said the girl's mother, who cannot be named to protect her daughter’s identity.
Medical reports in the possession of the girl’s mother, shared with the Nation, indicate signs of rape.
In a disturbing development, the school management mobilised students to protest against any legal action targeting the suspected teacher.
Students marched from the school to the sub-county education offices, chanting “Justice for Mr XXXX”. They were addressed by the sub-county education officer before being sent back to school.
When the Nation visited the school, a crisis meeting was underway between the school management and the sub-county officer.
The Sub-County education director stated that investigations were ongoing and directed journalists to the police for further information.
“Currently, the police have taken over the matter, and investigations are underway. They are in a better position to comment on it,” she said.
The Sub-County Police Commander confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the victim’s mother is seeking to transfer her daughter due over safety concerns, as some students have reportedly ganged up against her.
The police boss said the incident occurred in July but was reported in August.
“The incident allegedly happened in July, before the parents noticed the minor was showing signs of infection and reported it in August,” he said.
He added that despite the late report, police are working diligently to gather more information before forwarding the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further action.
He urged anyone with additional information to come forward to help build a strong case.
Sources told the Nation that previous cases of abuse at the school went unreported.
“This is not the first incident at this school. Similar cases have been handled locally and covered up by the management to protect the school’s image,” said a school employee on condition of anonymity.
The school principal declined to comment, directing journalists to the education offices and the local police station.
*Names withheld to protect the identity of the survivor.
