A teacher in Kilifi County has been arrested following the death of a 15-year-old pupil who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained after a beating at Gongoni Primary School in Vipingo.
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 family of Anestine Tunje is demanding justice after a post-mortem revealed that the Grade 8 student died from internal bleeding in the head caused by blunt force trauma. They believe the injuries were inflicted during the punishment.
Her father, Alex Tunje, recalled that Anestine started complaining of a severe headache hours after the incident. She was taken to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment.
“The child was injured, possibly hit. We took her to the hospital at around 5 a.m. The doctors later informed me that my child did not make it,” Tunje said.
Carolyne Kiringi, the pupil’s grandmother and a fellow teacher, expressed deep pain and condemned the actions of the accused teacher.
“This has truly hurt me. As a teacher myself, I could never punish a child in such a manner. Never. Because I am also a parent. We are taught that if you're angry, do not enter the classroom. It's better to stay in the staff room,” she said.
The post-mortem indicated that Anestine suffered several blows to the head from a blunt object, leading to blood clots in the brain. Jimmy Thoya, a relative, questioned the teacher’s methods.
“We are deeply saddened and struggling to understand how a teacher could discipline a student by hitting them on the head. That is what the post-mortem has confirmed,” he stated.
Human rights groups in the Coast region have joined the family in demanding accountability and swift action from authorities. They want the suspect to face legal consequences.
“There is no justification for the kind of anger a teacher must have had to beat a child like that. The teacher has not yet been arrested or even detained. It's frustrating that the police are waiting for the post-mortem before acting,” said human rights advocate Walid Sketty.
Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya said investigations are underway and emphasised that corporal punishment is illegal.
“There are clear laws such as the Children's Act and the Basic Education Act. If a student misbehaves, there are appropriate disciplinary measures. You can even involve the parents for counseling. But beating a child is unacceptable,” he stated.