Head teacher under probe for using corporal punishment

Geoffrey Gitau, shows injuries on his paralysed arm. The pupil at Kongasis Primary School was allegedly assaulted by the school headteacher. With him is his mother Ruth Ruth Waithera. Picture taken on August 8, 2019. [Joseph Kipsang/Standard]

Police and education officials are investigating complaints against a headteacher blamed for inflicting injuries on pupils in the name of punishing them. 

A number of parents at Kongasis Primary School in Gilgil sub-county have complained that the headteacher has inflicted serious injuries on their children.

A Standard Seven pupil is still nursing an injured arm after being beaten on January 2017.

The headteacher accused him of tampering with a piece of timber used to support a classroom door.

He told The Standard the teacher summoned him to the staff room and beat him up, injuring his arm.

His parents took him to Kongasis Health Centre, from where he was referred to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital for specialised care.

His mother later transferred him to Kijabe Mission Hospital, where she claims he underwent surgery at a cost of Sh130,000.

According to the pupil's mother, the headteacher later ordered her to pay Sh100 to have the door repaired.

The teenager still goes for a checkup at the mission hospital every two months at a cost of Sh5,000 per visit, and physiotherapy sessions at Nakuru Nursing Home every week at a cost of Sh1,500.

“It is sad to have my son walk from one hospital to another at a time he is expected to be in class,” said his mother.

Another parent complained that his son was seriously injured by the headteacher after being beaten for failing to shave his hair.

The man said he went to the school to seek an explanation but was instead arrested for "being a nuisance." The boy was taken to Kongasis Health Centre, where he was treated and discharged.

The matter was reported at Elementaita police station Occurrence Book Number 20/4/08/2019.

The headteacher threatened to beat up KTN reporter Allan Ochanda when The Standard team sought his comment on the matter. He accused the media of "tainting" his name.

During the visit at the school on Wednesday afternoon, the headteacher had just concluded a meeting with parents and officials of Gilgil National Government Constituencies Development Fund.

On being approached by The Standard team, he snatched a walking stick and attempted to attack the crew.

Gilgil Police Commander Emmanuel Opuru said police were investigating the matter.

The area director of Education William Sugut also promised to investigate the matter, saying corporal punishment was not allowed in schools. 

"We shall take action against the teacher after getting to the depth of the matter," he said.