Outrage over Kenyan Student’s Death from Corporal Punishment
An investigation is underway by police in Tinderet, Nandi County following the death of a Form 1 student at Chemase secondary school.
The 16-year-old, Kelvin Kiptanui, was allegedly assaulted by teachers for referencing a physics textbook during an afternoon quiz on Friday. He was admitted to Nandi-Hills level 4 hospital in critical condition and died several hours later.
The incident was reported to police on Sunday by the deceased’s mother, Monica Cherobon. She said her son was well when he left for school that day.
The school has not made a formal report to police about the death, and the circumstances surrounding it are still unclear.
Tinderet sub-county police commander Ali Jire described the case as complex, and Nandi County commissioner Herman Shiambi has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The school principal, Martin Masika, has declined to comment on the case, saying he has handed over the incident report to the Ministry of Education and will make a follow-up with the concerned officials.
The deceased had only been at the school for two weeks after delaying his reporting due to a lack of fees.
Kelvin’s body has been transferred to Nandi-Hills hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action from Kenyans on social media, with many expressing their shock and demanding justice for the deceased.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issue of corporal punishment in Kenyan schools, which has been a subject of debate for years. The government banned corporal punishment in schools in 2001, but reports of its use persist.
The incident underscores the need for stronger measures to prevent violence against students and ensure their safety in schools. The authorities must take decisive action to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Outrage over Kenyan Student’s Death from Corporal Punishment
