Kenya school closed over principal abuse allegations

The Ministry of Education has indefinitely closed P.C.E.A. Mai-a-Ihii Booth Boys High School in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, after police arrested the school’s principal over allegations of sexually abusing students.

The Kikuyu Sub-County Director of Education ordered the closure to facilitate an independent police investigation. The principal, Timothy Chege, has been charged with committing indecent acts against minors. The Board of Management chairperson was also arrested for allegedly attempting to obstruct the investigation by trying to settle the matter outside the legal process.

Kikuyu Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Ndegwa said the principal was involved in inappropriate touching of students. “This thing has been happening in the background,” he said.

The investigation began after several students reported that they had been sexually abused inside the principal’s office. Parents expressed frustration over poor communication from the school’s management.

One parent said her son was traumatised because the principal had been a father figure to him. She called for a neutral investigation: “We can’t have the hyena doing the investigations among the sheep.”

The closure has disrupted learning for hundreds of students, including Form Four candidates preparing for national examinations. Detectives are continuing to record statements from students, parents and staff. Parents have demanded a transparent investigation before the school is reopened.

SOURCE: AllAfrica