Gov’t launches probe after Class 8 pupil beaten by teachers for not attaining 400 marks

The Ministry of Education has now launched a probe into an incident where a Class 8 pupil at Nyamninia Primary School in Yala, Siaya County, was reportedly severely punished by teachers for not attaining 400 marks.

Education Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Jwan, speaking during the commissioning of the new Mtihani House in South C on Friday, said Siaya County education officials have since visited the school to probe the matter.

“A video has been going round of a learner being punished by teachers for not attaining 400 marks. It's so bad…we have narrowed down and identified the school, investigations are ongoing,” he said.

“Sending children home for motivational fee is not acceptable as well, principals sending students home for such should stop.”

The incident caused public uproar after a video of the boy crying and showing marks from the punishment he said was meted on him by two teachers went viral.

The boy said he had been forced to flee from the school after the punishment became too much, saying he tried to persevere to his very best but could not handle it anymore.

“Nimejaribu kuvumilia lakini hata ukivumilia ndio wanazidi kukuchapa. Nimevumilia 11 years in that school na mimi sasa nimechoka. Afadhali sasa hata ujiue kuliko kufikiria vitu mingi,” says the boy amidst tears in the undated video.

“Due to 400 marks nachapwa hivi? I think I should be able to achieve what I have already gotten but now if they want to force 400 in me and I can't achieve it what will I do?”

Article 29 of the Kenyan Constitution on freedom and security of citizens outlaws corporal punishment, torture, or cruel punishment.