Alarm after four Murang'a teachers assaulted by students in one month

Teachers in Murang'a have warned against growing violence towards tutors by students after four cases were recorded in just a month.

Stakeholders are now alarmed with teachers' unions warning against the violence.

The incidents, reported at Maragua Ridge Secondary School, Njora Secondary School, Kimathi Secondary School and Kibungithu Secondary School, involved three female teachers and one male teacher.

The confrontations were sparked by disciplinary action, ranging from confiscating a mobile phone to punishing students for indiscipline.

KUPPET executive secretary for Muranga branch Thomas Kimani described the incidents as unprecedented, saying they point to a worrying shift in student behaviour.

"It was unheard of in previous years to receive reports of students assaulting teachers. Today, it is no longer surprising, and that should concern every stakeholder in the education sector," Kimani said.

He said the incidents could be a sign of a much bigger problem, arguing that other teachers may be suffering in silence for fear of victimisation or lack of support.

Kimani said the rise in assaults had come at a time when schools have also been grappling with unrest, including arson attacks, saying the trend requires urgent intervention before it escalates.

The first incident occurred at Maragua Ridge Secondary School where a female teacher was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused by a student and her mother after a disciplinary matter.

The two were arrested and arraigned but were each fined Sh3,000 before being released.

Kimani criticised the penalty as too lenient and called for tougher sanctions against students found guilty of attacking teachers.

"Any student who assaults a teacher should not be allowed to sit the KCSE examination. We must send a clear message that violence against teachers will not be tolerated," he said.

KUPPET gender secretary Trizah Njuguna said female teachers were increasingly working under fear following the incidents, adding that many felt exposed while carrying out their duties.

She accused the Ministry of Education of remaining silent as attacks on teachers rise.

Murang'a County Director of Education Phillip Wambua confirmed receiving reports of all four incidents, saying they were being treated with the seriousness they deserved.

He said three of the cases involved physical assaults while one involved a student verbally abusing a teacher.

At Njora Secondary School, a female teacher was allegedly attacked by a student while marking examinations after attempting to confiscate a mobile phone that rang during class.

After assaulting the teacher, the student reportedly mobilised fellow learners who threatened to attack teachers after school.

The threats forced colleagues to escort the teacher home after it emerged that some students were planning another attack. She later sought leave before writing to the Teachers Service Commission requesting a transfer from the school.

At Kibungithu Secondary School in Kandara, another female teacher sustained an injury on the eye after she was allegedly attacked by a student who had been instructed to clean a classroom as punishment for reporting to school late.

The teacher, who was passing by, was assaulted before reporting the matter to police, where she recorded a statement.

Wambua said disciplinary action had already been initiated against the students involved in accordance with Ministry of Education regulations, adding that those found culpable would have to seek admission in other schools.

"Teachers should never retaliate. They should withdraw from the confrontation, report the matter and allow the police and the Ministry of Education to take the necessary legal and disciplinary action," he said.

He condemned the attacks and urged parents to instill discipline in their children, warning that assaulting or insulting teachers amounts to a criminal offence.

The education director said drug and substance abuse could be contributing to some of the incidents, although he said poor parenting and lack of discipline at home were also emerging as major factors behind the misbehaviour.

Instant Analysis

KUPPET Murang’a Executive Secretary Thomas Kimani described the incidents as unprecedented, saying they point to a worrying shift in student behaviour.

He said the four incidents could be a sign of a much bigger problem, arguing that other teachers may be suffering in silence for fear of victimisation or lack of support.