UASIN GISHU, Kenya, Dec, 10 – A form 4 student from D.E.B Mutwot High school in Kapsaret, UasinGishu county is receiving treatment after her teacher allegedly assaulted her over wearing the wrong school uniform despite initially being granted permission to do so due to lack of funds.
The student told Shahidi News that the incident occurred weeks ago while in boarding school.
“I was in school, I was not even wearing the uniform and when the teacher saw me carrying it, he told me never to come with it. I was surprised since my parent had spoken to the teacher and explained that she did not have money to buy me the right shirt at the moment.”
The teacher according to the student,then repeatedly started hitting her and despite her screams as she was being led to the staffroom he forced her to the ground and gained her.
“He cut off a brunch from the cypress tree and started beating me until it was broken and then he took another one and started hitting me on my head repeatedly, my buttocks, thighs and legs. ” Said the student.
The teacher allegedly then proceeded to slap the the student repeatedly on her face leaving her numb.
“I did not like the way he beat me.” Said a teary student.
It was just recently when she was sent home due to lack of school fees when she reported the incident to her parent who subsequently took her to hospital after she was complaining of severe headaches and pain on her legs.
“When i took her to hospital and the doctor gave me the report I was very hurt as apparent that a teacher could do that to a student despite us having an agreement on the uniform.” Said her parent
The student was admitted at the Moi teaching and referral hospital, MTRH, and treated for severe headaches, injuries on her back and legs.
Doctors from the hospital also referred her to the counselling department after she was reported to be suffering from constant panic attacks.
“How can a teacher do that to a student, I told them I don’t have money to buy her a school uniform yet he did that to my child.”
Officers from the Citizen Centre for Development and Human Rights have since launched investigations into the matter.
“I went to that school to find out what happened, and the teachers refused to speak, so I went to the county director of education and reported the matter. Just because a student is wearing the wrong uniform doesn’t mean you have the right to beat them up that way.” Moses Mwangi, Citizen Centre for Development and Human Rights.
Reports meanwhile indicate that the Deputy principal was present when the incident occurred.
“We demand justice for this young girl, it must serve as an example to teachers that there are laws on how o deal with students without resulting to violence. Infact the ministry was clear that children should not be sent home due to lack of school fees particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the dangerrs it poses.”
Uasin Gishu County Education Director Gitonga Mbaka has meanwhile directed the student to return to school further stating the government will foot her medical expenses.
Investigations have meanwhile been launched.
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