KENYA: St George’s Girls’ Students Protest Over Alleged Beatings, School Closed Indefinitely

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Police in Nairobi were on Sunday night forced to intervene after learners at St. George’s Girls’ High School staged demonstrations accusing teachers of subjecting them to frequent corporal punishment.

The strike, which began late in the evening near State House, saw students stream out of their dormitories, some still in nightwear, chanting and demanding justice.

“Wanatuchapanga (they cane us),” the girls shouted as they marched in the dark.

One student questioned, “Why are they beating us for no reason?” while another added, “We want justice!”

The protest is said to have been sparked by claims that a student was assaulted by a teacher after stepping outside to view the rare “blood moon” on Sunday night.

Police officers were deployed to calm the situation, with one video showing an officer physically pushing back students as they attempted to overwhelm security.

Parents soon arrived at the compound as the unrest stretched into the night.

On Monday morning, the situation escalated as parents, administrators, and security officials convened at the school.

The Deputy County Commissioner for Dagoretti North Sub-County, Juma, announced that the institution would not reopen anytime soon.

“We have made the decision with the security team and the board that we declare the school closed,” Juma said. “Further communication will follow.”

A school administrator later told parents wishing for their daughters to continue with studies to visit the office for guidance.

The school administration has yet to issue its own official position on the matter.

Kenya outlawed corporal punishment in 2001 through the Children Act, which banned it in homes, schools, and correctional facilities.

The 2010 Constitution further cemented this prohibition, and the Children Act of 2022 reaffirmed it, closing all legal loopholes and removing the defence of “reasonable punishment” for parents and guardians.