Student suffers injuries in a corporal punishment for failing to answer exam questions

A 17-years old boy student was allegedly beaten by a biology teacher for failing to complete the biology test. [Istockphoto]

A form two student is nursing critical injuries after allegedly being thoroughly punished by a teacher for submitting blank answer papers after an examination.

The incident occurred last week when Terige High school in Nandi County sat for end-term examinations.

The 17-years old boy student was reportedly 'disciplined' by a biology teacher for failing to complete the biology test.

And it was until last week on Thursday during the closure of schools, when Millicent Macharia from Langas in Uasin Gishu County, discovered her son had sustained physical injuries that seemed to have been inflicted some days back and he could not sit.

"He could neither walk properly neither nor sit down. He seemed to suffer back pain and had some open wounds," she narrated.

The student claimed that on August 5, the teacher summoned and asked him to explain the reasons why he left out some of the biology paper questions unanswered.

Thereafter, the enraged teacher ordered him to lie down before pulling a stick and indiscriminately descended on the boy with several whips, allegedly witnessed by a section of teachers in the staff room.

When it was found that the disciplinary action had gone sore, the school management administered medication to the boy and he was locked up in the school dormitory for three days.

He could not walk or sit and he was forced to lie on the bed and was sustained by painkillers.

"I was not informed of what transpired and the deteriorating health condition of my child. I came to learn when I was told to go and pick him during closing day, where I found him writhing in pain," claimed Millicent.

Her attempts to seek more explanation were in vain as the school principal turned her away. She was urged to settle the matter with the suspected teacher.

However, Millicent resorted to reporting the matter to Kilibwoni police station where she recorded as OB number 09/16/09/2022, but so far, no action has been taken against the suspect.

"I was told to wait for the police to conclude their investigation but they have not yet arrested the teacher. I need justice for my child and I have spent over Sh 5, 000 for medication," she pleaded.

A medical examination report seen by The Standard indicates that "on 15/09/2022 the patient was treated with abrasion wounds secondary to physical trauma due to assault in school."

It further indicated the treatment administered to the boy include wound cleaning, dressing and tetanus injection.

The Nandi Central sub-county police commander, Doris Chemoss confirmed the incident and stated that they are waiting for the schools to open so as to commence the investigation.

"The students are on holiday and once they resume, they will assist with more statements from the witnesses and therefore, arrest the suspect. We have seen the medical report that confirmed the extent to which the student was inflicted," stated OCPD Chemoss.

The county education director, Zachary Mutuiri said that disciplinary action will be taken against the teacher once the school resumes next week.

"We have the committee to investigate the incident and the appropriate action will be taken accordingly if found culpable. The police will too be doing their investigation," said Mr Mutuiri.