Siaya pupil allegedly assaulted by teachers for missing 400 marks

Police in Siaya County have launched investigations into an incident where a male Class Eight pupil of Nyamninia Primary School in Yala was allegedly assaulted by teachers for failing to score 400 marks in internal exams.

The pupil fled the boarding school, citing torture in school.

A video of the distraught boy has since gone viral on social media.

While showing cane marks on his back, legs and thighs, the learner, who was in tears, alleged that two teachers of Nyamninia Primary School assaulted him over what they termed subpar performance.

Yala Township Chief Anam Odongo confirmed the incident, saying investigations had been launched.

“We’ve reached the school for comment, and sooner or later we’ll get clearer details on what exactly happened,” Odongo told The Standard.

The pupil said he was contemplating seeking transfer or staying at home after being assaulted at Nyamninia Primary School.

“If it’s a must that I score 400 marks in exams to avoid being subjected to torture, then I’d rather remain at home. Education shouldn’t be harmful,” he said.

The Standard’s attempts to reach the head-teacher of Nyamninia Primary School for comment were fruitless.

Siaya County Children’s Officer Jemin Onyango told The Standard on Friday that a teacher of Nyamninia Primary School suspected of assaulting the Class Eight boy has been arrested and will be arraigned on Monday, July 25.

Corporal punishment in Kenya is prohibited in all settings, including the home. However, the right to “administer reasonable punishment”, while rendered void under the Constitutional prohibition, is still to be formally repealed.