Plant operator trainee alleges assault by instructors

Student alleges assault by institute staff. [Standard, File]

John Maina, a student at Kilimambogo Highways Building Technology Institute, alleges that he was assaulted by the institute's teaching staff, leaving him with severe injuries.

Maina, training as a plant operator, attended his classes as usual on May 9, 2024.

However, he claims, during a practical session involving an earthmover, his instructor refused him access to the equipment, asserting that he had completed that part of the course.

A dispute arose, during which Maina alleges he was attacked by the instructor. A second instructor joined in the assault.

Upon noticing the altercation, he says, other students sought help from the school's administrator.

Anne Wanjiku, Maina's mother, said, "Initially it started with a quarrel between the student and one of the instructors. Another instructor joined in and instead of settling the matter amicably, he also started attacking the student."

She further explained that her son left the school intending to report the incident at the nearby Kithimani Police Station.

However, the instructors are said to have reached the station ahead of him in a school vehicle and reported that Maina had been drunk and caused a disturbance at the institution.

"On arrival at the station, my son was arrested for creating disturbance at the institution and locked up in a cell. He was later released and went to Matuu Level Four Hospital, where he was told to come with a P3 form to get treatment," claims Wanjiku.

Maina reported the incident to Matuu Police Station but was directed back to Kithimani Police station.

"He eventually got a P3 Form from Matuu Police station," she added.

"My son also sent me videos taken by other students that showed him being attacked by instructors."

The school administrators are yet to comment on the matter.