Barely weeks after disturbing sexual assault claims surfaced at Alliance Girls High School and Loreto Girls’ High School in Limuru, yet another top girls’ school in Kenya has been thrust into the national spotlight. Kaplong Girls High School in Bomet County is now grappling with serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a male teacher whose identity has been withheld.

The school has been closed indefinitely following a weekend of student-led protests that turned chaotic. The unrest began on Saturday afternoon when students accused the teacher of repeated instances of sexual harassment, with one shocking claim alleging he had impregnated a student. The protests escalated, with students reportedly smashing window panes and vandalizing school property while chanting for the teacher’s arrest and prosecution.

School Principal Mrs. Clara Mitei confirmed the indefinite closure of the school, citing safety concerns and disruption of school operations.

“The report about the school closure is true following the students’ unrest last night,” Mitei stated. “We released the students to go home at 7am today after they became unruly and disrupted school operations.”

YOU MISSED: Big Win for Teachers: Pay Hike Confirmed in New CBA with 5% to 29% Basic Salary Increment

According to Mitei, the grievances voiced by the students primarily centered on the alleged sexual misconduct by the male teacher. However, she urged for calm and the upholding of due process.

“While we take the students’ concerns seriously, we must also ensure thorough and impartial investigations. Appropriate actions will be taken once the truth is established,” she added.

A trusted source has told Ukambani News Hub that the accused teacher has a long history of inappropriate behaviour, dating as far back as 2007. This raises serious questions about the efficacy of oversight and accountability within the school’s administration and the broader education sector.

The timing of the scandal is particularly significant, as it came just a day after Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy on inappropriate relationships between teachers and students. Speaking at a prize-giving ceremony at Tenwek High School in Bomet County on Friday, Bitok issued a stern warning to teachers across the country.

“No teacher should pursue inappropriate relationships with students. Any breach of trust will result in swift disciplinary and legal action,” said Bitok.

He further emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating any form of sexual exploitation in educational institutions: “We want to denounce, in the strongest terms possible, those behaviours of teachers or any individuals who seek to exploit our children.”

Bitok confirmed that the crackdown would extend nationwide, targeting all schools regardless of their reputation or status.

“We are committed to upholding the safety and dignity of learners in all educational institutions, not just at Alliance Girls, but in every school across the country,” he asserted.

The incidents at Kaplong Girls, Alliance Girls, and Loreto Girls in Limuru have exposed a deeply troubling pattern of abuse in institutions meant to safeguard and empower young girls. Parents and civil society organizations are now demanding comprehensive investigations into school environments and calling for the implementation of robust mechanisms to prevent abuse, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and law enforcement agencies are under immense pressure to demonstrate their commitment to protecting learners and rebuilding public trust.

Ends///