This archive report was first published on 13 July 2019.
On June 26, a 17-year-old student at Kiru Boys High School in Murang'a County was brutally beaten by his teacher during a Kiswahili lesson.
The student, who has been identified as a 17-year-old boy, was allegedly asked by the teacher to kneel next to the blackboard with his eyes exposed to the chalk dust, before being sent to the staffroom where he was assaulted as he cried to be spared.
According to a witness, the student was taken to the staffroom with itchy and teary eyes as a result of chalk dust and beaten for hours.
The incident was kept as a secret by the school until a friend spotted the student at the Kiria-ini Mission Hospital having difficulty in walking.
The student's parents were informed of the incident and immediately took him to a local hospital in Murang'a County for treatment.
County Director of Education Annie Kiilu has ordered a probe at the school after the student's father reported the matter on Tuesday.
“The matter is under investigation to ensure justice for the student,” said Kiilu in a text message.
The school's headteacher, Ciira Kiragu, has denied any knowledge of the incident, stating that only students who have outstanding fee balances have been sent home.
