Parents storm primary school after '12 pupils are impregnated'

Parents yesterday stormed Cheplaskei Primary School in Uasin Gishu County protesting against rampant teenage pregnancies.

The parents complained that over 12 pupils who are in Standard Six, Seven and Eight were impregnated by teachers and villagers.

But teachers said only four were impregnated and confirmed that among the culprits was a colleague.

Pupils attempted to block their parents from accessing the institution by locking the gate. As their parents' chanted anti-head teacher slogans, the pupils responded that the besieged head should remain. The irate parents locked the headmaster's office.

The parents said official complaints to the Education ministry were not acted upon. Christine Torut, a parent, said: "To our shock the boarding facility has been turned into lodging for engaging in sexual acts because there are too many pregnancy cases at the school."

Mrs Torut said they the education of their children would be in jeopardy if no action is taken, adding that performance was deteriorating. Alfred Kiptanui, another parent, accused head teacher William Rongoei of making unilateral decisions.

"Several projects have stalled at the institution because due process was never followed and in some cases the building materials were carted away," he claimed.

He said parents, through the Parents Teachers Association, remit money to the school to cater for various services.

"We are charged for purchase of firewood but the head master goes ahead and harvests trees planted at the school to be used for cooking. We wonder where the raised money goes to," he said.

Mr Rongoei termed all these allegations as unfounded.

"I am not aware of the allegations as they have never been brought to my attention. The claims on development projects are also untrue as projects are usually undertaken after being sanctioned by the school management committee," he said.

Uasin Gishu County Director of Education Yusuf Jilo said he was not aware of the matter but promised to investigate. Mr Kiptanui asked the Government to act or they would not allow Rongoei to continue managing the school.