Authorities in Kilifi South Sub-County have arrested a primary school teacher following the tragic death of a 15-year-old pupil, raising renewed concerns about corporal punishment in schools.
The victim, a Grade Eight pupil at Gongoni Primary School, passed away on September 25, 2025, while receiving treatment at Kilifi County Referral Hospital. Police report that the minor succumbed to severe head injuries sustained after alleged corporal punishment.
Kilifi South Sub-County Police Commander Hassan Kochalle confirmed that the teacher, now a person of interest, is being held at Mtwapa Police Station pending custodial orders. “We are treating this matter as a serious assault case leading to the death of a minor. The suspect will remain in custody as the investigation continues,” Kochalle stated.
What Transpired
According to preliminary investigations, the incident occurred on September 19, 2025, during the last lesson before games. The teacher reportedly punished several learners by ordering them to kneel before administering canes, and in some cases, striking them on the head in a practice locally referred to as “nutting.”
The deceased pupil developed persistent headaches after the punishment and was rushed to Vipingo Health Center by her father on September 21. She was later transferred to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU but unfortunately passed away four days later.
Postmortem Findings
A postmortem examination conducted by government pathologist Dr. Gideon Odhiambo revealed that the student died from blunt force trauma to the head. The report highlighted a left parietal hemorrhage and cerebral swelling, though no skull fracture was detected. A CT scan had earlier confirmed internal bleeding in the brain.
Ongoing Investigation
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned the suspect on October 1, 2025, after which he was placed in custody. Authorities are currently gathering additional witness statements, including accounts from other pupils allegedly punished during the same incident.
This case adds to the growing debate over corporal punishment in Kenyan schools, with education stakeholders and child rights advocates calling for stricter enforcement of laws protecting learners from physical assault.
