Protests after school girls sent away at night

Some students from Kiini Girls Secondary School were sent back home after they reported to school late. PHOTO | GOOGLE MAPS

Dozens of students from Kiini Girls Secondary School in Kirinyaga County were sent home on Tuesday evening after they reported to the learning institution late, sparking protests by parents and education officers.

The girls were returning to school from their mid-term break.

While some of the girls returned to their respective homes at night, others slept in lodgings.

According to the school administration, the girls were to be in school by 2pm.

They were ordered to go home and come back the following day in the company of their parents some who live as far as Nairobi and Machakos.

The administration accused the girls of being unruly and told them to return home on disciplinary measure.

Parents accused the school administration of being unrealistic by sending their children home in the evening.

"The administration risked the lives of our children and whoever is responsible should be removed or sacked on disciplinary ground," said one of the parents.

Contacted for comment the school principal Ms Wanjiku Maina admitted that some students were sent home but denied that it was during the night.

"We asked the girls who reported late to go back when it was still day time. All those who were sent away arrived home safely and came back this morning accompanied by their parents.

"No one slept outside or in lodgings," said Ms Maina adding that the girls were being grilled with a view of establishing why they reported late.

She went on: "We want to get some information from the girls who reported late," she told the Nation on telephone without elaborating.

The County director of Education, Mr Peter Magiri said the matter was serious and was being investigated.

"We want to establish why the principal chased away the girls late in the evening. We understand half of the students were turned away but we are yet to establish the number of those affected," he said.

Mr Magiri said his office was taking the matter with the seriousness it deserves and disciplinary action could be taken against the principal if she is found to be in the wrong.

The director pledged to visit the school together with officials from the Teachers Service Commission to ascertain the truth of the matter.

Mr Magiri promised to issue a comprehensive report to the press after assessing the situation.

Sources close to the school said Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang'i was unhappy with what happened and may even visit the learning institution.