Head Teacher, Deputy Under DCI Probe After Viral Picture Shows 3 learners Tied To A Tree

LAIKIPIA, Kenya, Sep 2 –  Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal investigations (DCI) have launched investigations against teachers allegedly involved in the inhumane treatment of three minor learners at Thiru Primary School in Laikipia West under the guise of punishment.

A picture depicting the minors tied to a tree with a rope went viral on Monday raising concerns over the safety of learners in institutions of learning. Parents protested the despicable act raising questions as to whether children are even safe in the school and whether this form of punishment has persisted at the institution for years.

Detectives who spoke to Shahidi News however revealed that upon conducting a routine interrogation, the learners and others who were interviewed said this was the first time such an incident has occurred on school grounds.

“I want to say that we are very sorry, we want to apologize to our children and what they went through. It is unfortunate that our children could be subjected to very inhumane treatment and as a department, we have vowed to give support to our children in terms of children protection interventions looking at the rights of those children who were affected to make sure they at least have psychosocial support,” said Ezekiel Mwanza, Laikipia Director, Children Services.

Nyahururu sub-county Deputy County Commissioner Moses Muroki corroborated detectives’ preliminary findings saying that the photograph was authentic and that the teachers involved were punishing the learners for ‘delinquency’ and absenteeism.

“This actually happened on August 20, 2021. It is wrong and we are not happy about it..we are very sorry to the children for what happened to them. The DCI has taken up the matter…investigations are ongoing then we will know the way forward,” he said.

The school’s headteacher Shelmith Thimba and deputy headteacher David Maina are under probe.

“We want to call upon teachers to adhere to guidelines on how to discipline learners and much of it is to counsel and guide children as they go through their school system. It is an embarrassment and humiliation…the whole world is wondering what is happening to children, that children can go through such inhumane treatment. it is very unfortunate,” said Muroki.

According to preliminary investigations, the Deputy Headteacher took the photographs before sharing them with the teacher’s WhatsApp group this past Friday.

Disgusted by the photographs, one of the teachers is alleged to have posted them to social media incognito on Tuesday sparking widespread condemnation from Kenyans

The Teacher’s Service commission had meanwhile urged teachers to adhere to their code of conduct as they warn action will be taken against those found culpable.

“What we advocate as TSC is child protection and also we are looking at teachers and how they are dealing with learners. No one has been declared guilty until the due process has been undertaken..anyone found culpable will be taken against them,” Said Irene Kadenge, Quality Assurance, and Standards, Director TSC, Rift Valley region.

Back in January 2021, Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha had hinted at a possible return of the cane saying it would stem indiscipline in schools.

Stakeholders however opposed the return of corporal punishment advising teachers to seek alternative means that would not harm learners.