This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
On October 26 and 27, a disturbing incident occurred at Lenana Estate in Narok town, where a 15-year-old Form Two student was allegedly defiled by her teacher, Anyuna Geoffrey Okumu, at his residence.
Okumu, a teacher at Maasai Girls Secondary School in Narok town, was arraigned before Narok chief magistrate Wilbroda Juma on charges of defiling the minor. He also faced alternative charges of indecently assaulting the minor by touching her private parts.
According to reports, the accused chose to remain silent as the charges were read to him and was subsequently remanded in custody until November 12, when the minor will testify.
As the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) continues to address the issue of teachers engaging in sexual activities with their students, this case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of the problem. In a recent statement, TSC CEO Nancy Macharia expressed concern over the number of teachers involved in such activities, stating that it is a violation of the law and professional ethics of the teaching profession.
It is worth noting that TSC has taken steps to address this issue, having sacked 36 teachers for professional misconduct, including having sexual relations with learners. The teachers were removed from the register between March and June this year, and will not be allowed to teach in any school, including private institutions.
