The State Department for Children Services has strongly condemned the killing of a Grade 8 pupil in Kilifi County, allegedly as a result of corporal punishment by a teacher.
In a statement released on October 2, 2025, by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Children Services, Carren Agengo, the department described the incident as a grave violation of the rights and dignity of the child and vowed that those responsible will face the full force of the law.
“This incident is a grave violation of the rights and dignity of the child and a criminal act that cannot be tolerated in our society,” she said in the statement.
She noted that Kenyan law is explicit on the protection of children. Section 25 of the Children Act, 2022 guarantees every child the right to be safeguarded from torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment.
Similarly, Section 36 of the Basic Education Act, 2013, prohibits subjecting any pupil to physical or psychological punishment, making such actions criminal offences.
“Corporal punishment is unlawful. No teacher, parent, or guardian is permitted to subject a child to violence under any circumstances. Those found culpable of causing injury or death to a child will face the full force of the law, including criminal liability for assault or homicide under the Penal Code,” the PS added.
She further expressed condolences to the bereaved family, assuring them of the Government’s commitment to pursuing justice.
The PS confirmed that the Department is working with the Ministry of Education, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to ensure accountability and strengthen child protection mechanisms in schools.
The department called upon all teachers, caregivers, and institutions of learning to embrace positive discipline and child-friendly guidance methods.
“Violence has no place in the upbringing or education of children,” the statement read in part.
A 15-year-old pupil, Anestine Tunje, succumbed to injuries sustained after a beating at Gongoni Primary School in Vipingo, Kilifi County.
Police said the incident occurred on September 19, 2025, during the last lesson before games at the school in Kilifi South Sub-County.
The teacher, identified as Ian Tembo, allegedly instructed Grade 8 pupils to kneel before administering corporal punishment. The post-mortem indicated that Anestine suffered several blows to the head from a blunt object, leading to blood clots in the brain.