Ministry launches probe into student beating claims after protests
A senior official of a secondary school in Kiminini, Trans-Nzoia County, is under investigation over the alleged beating of a Form Three student, in a case that has sparked student protests and drawn condemnation from human rights activists.
The Ministry of Education has launched a probe into the incident, in which the female student is alleged to have been beaten on her thighs for lateness and absenteeism in June.
Trans-Nzoia County Director of Education Pamela Akello confirmed that the matter was under investigation and said she had directed the county Teachers Service Commission (TSC) office to establish what happened and take appropriate action.
"Let's wait for the outcome of the investigation," Ms Akello told the Daily Nation.
The allegation has since triggered heated debate on social media platforms, while students marched through Kiminini market last Friday to protest the incident.
However, accounts surrounding the incident remain conflicting, with some education stakeholders claiming the incident has been politicised and that students were incited to protest as part of efforts to have the principal transferred.
"This issue is not about the student but about the principal; they want him out because of certain interests," one stakeholder said.
Human rights activists in Trans-Nzoia have, however, condemned the alleged punishment, saying it amounted to a violation of the learner's rights.
Justice and Peace Centre Kitale Programmes Officer Boniface Wanyoike described the incident as corporal punishment and called for action against the teacher if the allegations are established.
"We are saddened by this kind of act, especially from a school principal. We want immediate action against the teacher to deter such inhumane treatment," Mr Wanyoike said.
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