Police in Kinangop have launched a manhunt for a 48-year-old teacher accused of defiling pupils at St Mary’s Primary School in Magumu.
Isaac Kanyingi went into hiding on Monday after parents held protests at the school, demanding justice for a 12-year-old girl who was allegedly defiled by the teacher.
The Standard 6 pupil is said to have been defiled by Kanyingi on March 16, during weekend tuition.
Parents said the girl was called to the teacher’s house where she was defiled and ordered not to tell anyone about the ordeal.
Kanyingi allegedly promised not to punish her if she failed his English tests.
The girl's mother told the Star she took her daughter to Bamboo dispensary before reporting the matter at Magumu police station.
The officers referred her to Engineer Hospital. She said the doctor’s report confirmed penetration and indicated the girl had injuries in her private parts.
Kinangop subcounty police commander Charles Rotich told the Star on phone on Tuesday police were looking for Kanyingi to face defilement charges.
“The child was taken to hospital and the doctor’s report is positive. What remains now is to arrest this teacher who is at large," Rotich said.
He said it was shameful that a teacher entrusted with children’s safety was molesting them. He said police will not rest until Kanyingi is arrested.
During Monday's protest, parents accused police of inaction.
Peter Njuguna said it is wrong for the school to demand Sh2,000 for weekend tuition every term, saying such studies were banned.
He said randy teachers were taking advantage of tuition to exploit children.
Njuguna said many children reported to their parents how Kanyingi sexually molest them yet nothing had been done.
“The headmaster told us he directed the children to write insha (composition) about the matter," Njuguna said.
Another parent said her daughter reported to her that the teacher kissed her during class time. She said her daughter also reported the matter to the head teacher but no action was taken.
"I called the head teacher to ask why he never invited me to school to discuss this matter," the woman said.
Parents said their children had reported how the teacher sometimes buys them goodies to lure them.
Maryann Wambui said: "The school needs to know we don’t bring prostitutes to school. We bring children who must be allowed to learn in peace. If we lay our hands on this teacher, we will kill him.”
Kinangop subcounty director of education Peter Njuguna and St. Mary’s Primary School headteacher George Njihia declined to comment.
