A grieving family in Kilifi County is calling for justice following the death of their 15-year-old daughter, who allegedly sustained fatal injuries after being beaten by a teacher at Gongoni Primary School in Vipingo.
Anestine Tunje, a Grade 8 pupil, died from internal bleeding in the head, according to the findings of a post-mortem examination. Her family believes the injuries were a result of physical punishment inflicted at school.
Her father, Alex Tunje, said that his daughter began experiencing a severe headache shortly after the alleged incident. She was rushed to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, but unfortunately, passed away 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 recounted.
Her grandmother, Carolyne Kiringi, expressed her heartbreak over the incident, criticizing the actions of the 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.
According to the post-mortem report, Anestine suffered multiple blows to the head with a blunt object, which caused blood clots in her brain.
Jimmy Thoya, a relative, questioned the teacher’s conduct.
“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 organizations in the Coast region have joined the family's calls for justice. They are urging law enforcement to arrest the teacher suspected of assaulting the girl.
Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that legal procedures will be followed.
“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.
Mutisya also noted that corporal punishment is prohibited under several laws.
“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 said.
