The Teachers Service Commission has sent a teacher at Alliance Girls High School on compulsory leave following serious allegations of sexual abuse involving learners. The 30-day leave, which takes effect from July 15, 2025, is meant to allow for thorough and independent investigations into the matter.

In a letter addressed to the teacher, Peter Albert Ayiro, the commission stated that he is accused of engaging in acts considered professional misconduct under the Teachers Service Commission Act and the Code of Regulations for Teachers (CORT).

"It has been alleged that you have breached Clause (a) of the Third Schedule to the Teachers Service Commission Act, Regulation 141 of the Code of Regulations for Teachers (CORT) and Clause 22 of the Code of Conduct and Ethics in that on various dates while stationed at Alliance Girls High School as a teacher, you engaged in acts and omissions that amount to professional misconduct," reads part of the letter.

The allegations include claims of immoral behaviour, including sexual abuse, sexual intercourse with learners, and sexual harassment or inappropriate conduct toward students.

The commission noted that the seriousness of the allegations requires a neutral and careful review. “Due to the gravity of these allegations and the need to conduct independent and impartial investigations into the matter, and pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 136 of the CORT, the Commission has decided to send you on Compulsory Leave for 30 days with effect from July 15, 2025,” reads the letter.

During the compulsory leave, the teacher will continue receiving his full salary and allowances. The commission has assured that it will notify him of the outcome once the investigations are completed and that all processes will follow established legal and disciplinary procedures.

The teacher’s suspension follows growing public pressure and a wave of anger sparked by reports of abuse at the institution. The allegations, first brought to light by African Uncensored, triggered a protest by former students and parents outside the school’s main gate. The demonstrators demanded immediate disciplinary action and a full investigation into the matter.

The calls for action were echoed by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, who pushed for strong measures against the accused teacher.

"That teacher is going to be punished and interdicted. We have talked to TSC and all other stakeholders to ensure that he is arrested. No teacher has any business pursuing inappropriate relationships with learners. Any breach of trust will be met with swift disciplinary and legal action," PS Bitok said.

He added, “We are committed to upholding learner safety and dignity in all education institutions ... including not just Alliance Girls but every school in this country.”

The Ministry of Education has said it is working with TSC and other partners to address the issue, although the commission operates independently and does not report to the ministry.

Meanwhile, the Alliance Girls alumni group, which organised the demonstration, issued a strong statement calling for the teacher’s immediate interdiction and for a fair and thorough probe to follow.

"We are explicitly calling for the interdiction of the teacher in line with TSC disciplinary procedures, followed by a comprehensive and impartial investigation," the group said.

As the investigations begin, pressure continues to mount on the commission to not only act on the current case but also strengthen oversight to prevent future abuse in learning institutions.