A Form Four candidate at Chesamisi High School in Bungoma County has requested to be relocated to a different examination centre for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), citing trauma and safety concerns following the assault of his father within the school compound.
The student, Jonah Makani (alias JMM), announced on Saturday that he skipped his KCSE rehearsals and has avoided the school premises since the violent incident, which occurred on September 19, 2025.
“My plea to KNEC is this do not compromise my peace, safety, and security. Please relocate me from the Chesamisi exam centre. It is hostile and traumatic. It reminds me of the September 19 attack,” Jonah said.
His father, Josephat Makani, who was allegedly beaten during a visit to the school, said he could not allow his son to sit for the national exams under the supervision of Principal Protues Ndombi, who is currently under police investigation over the assault.
Makani revealed that he had formally requested the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to transfer his son to another centre, with the support of the Kimilili Sub-county Director of Education.
“I spoke to the sub-county director and requested the transfer based on the current security concerns. He advised me to have the DCI write to KNEC to support the request,” he said.
Attempts to reach Principal Ndombi for comment were unsuccessful. However, the Parents Association (PA) chairperson, Ben Keverenge, claimed that an understanding had been reached for the student to return to school, assuring that his safety would be guaranteed.
“KCSE is a contract between the candidate and KNEC. The school has assured us of the boy’s safety, and I would advise the parent not to use his son in this ongoing dispute,” Keverenge stated, while admitting no formal commitment had been made.
The Kimilili Sub-county Director of Education, David Wasike, confirmed that his office is in consultation with KNEC and expects a decision by Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
“Any change of exam centre is at KNEC’s discretion and not based on the candidate’s preference. We have submitted our report to Nairobi, and KNEC may require a police statement to validate the safety concerns,” Wasike said.
The father recounted that he had been summoned to the school over a disciplinary issue involving his son and a confiscated USB cable, only to be attacked moments after arriving on the premises.
“I was told to collect my son and his belongings, but when I went to demand an official leave letter, I found the principal trampling on my son. When I intervened, he punched me and called teachers to his aid,” Makani claimed.
Jonah has now been out of school for over six weeks as his family awaits KNEC’s decision.
This comes as more than one million KCSE candidates nationwide prepare to sit their final examinations beginning November 3, 2025.
