Parliament has strongly criticised the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) over what it described as ongoing negligence in protecting students from predatory teachers.

This follows shocking revelations involving Peter Ayiro, a senior teacher and longtime Christian Union patron at Alliance Girls High School, who has been accused of sexually abusing students for years.

Legislators said Ayiro’s case has exposed deep-rooted systemic failures in enforcing ethical conduct in schools.

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana noted that the situation may not be isolated, suggesting a broader crisis in schools nationwide.
“There may be widespread failures in enforcing ethical boundaries between teachers and students in our learning institutions,” she said.

According to Kibwana, the TSC, which is responsible for ensuring discipline and professionalism among teachers, either failed to act or knowingly ignored red flags.
“This points to a deeper, more entrenched systemic issue,” she added.

Lawmakers are now demanding an urgent overhaul of how cases of misconduct are handled in schools. Kibwana called for a review of the TSC’s internal structures, including its handling of reports, protection of whistleblowers, and disciplinary processes.

“The Ministry of Education must audit safeguarding mechanisms in public boarding schools—particularly girls’ schools—and establish mandatory codes of conduct governing teacher-student relationships,” she said.

Ayiro is accused of taking advantage of his position as a teacher and spiritual leader to target vulnerable girls, some reportedly as young as 13.
“Girls’ boarding schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning and character formation, yet this case reveals a pattern of grooming and predatory behaviour that appears to have been institutionally tolerated or overlooked,” Kibwana said.

Testimonies from former students and staff describe how Ayiro used religion, emotional manipulation, selective friendships, and special treatment to control and isolate students.

Many victims have reportedly been left with long-term emotional scars, guilt and confusion.

“The exposé has brought to public attention disturbing accounts detailing a pattern of grooming and inappropriate conduct, enabled by unchecked influence, spiritual authority and a culture of silence,” Kibwana added.

Senators raised concern over what they termed as repeated institutional failures, claiming that Ayiro’s misconduct was an open secret that was ignored for years.

It was revealed that teachers, chaplains, and other staff had raised concerns on several occasions, but no official investigation or punishment followed.

“Despite multiple principals having served at the school over this period and despite consistent rumours and warnings, Ayiro retained his position and influence,” said Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.

Lawmakers warned that similar patterns of abuse could be happening in other schools but remain hidden due to fear, stigma, and silence.
“The Senate must lead by example in demanding transparency and a national safeguarding framework that puts the welfare of students above the reputation of institutions or individuals,” Cherargei said.