Girl expelled from school in Migori over ‘demons’

A 13-year-old girl in Suna West, Migori County, is in distress after she was expelled from school over allegations of being possessed by demons.

The Standard Seven pupil at Nyamome Primary School was accused of being a member of a devil worship group, and enlisting her fellow pupils to the group. The school is said to have taken the decision, which surprised many, after the girl began collapsing and writhing in hysteria.

"The girl could collapse and start uttering unintelligible words as if she was communicating to spirits. She has been doing this for some time hence scaring the other pupils. This is perhaps why the school administration decided to expel her," said one of the teachers in the school.

REFUTED CLAIMS

The girl was expelled from the school three weeks ago. Speaking to Nation at their home, the girl said she was accused falsely. “I am accused of something I don't even understand. I like going to school but now I have been barred. I just stay at home not knowing what to do," said the girl amid tears. The girl's mother, Ms Jackline Akinyi, refuted claims of her daughter belonging to a devil worship group. She said the school should not have expelled her daughter without informing her.

“I am crying for help. I don’t think my daughter is a devil worshipper. I am pleading with the school to allow her to continue with her education as I seek medical help for her condition,” she said.

The school's headmaster Joshua Siro said the administration sent her away after confirming that she was under the influence of demonic powers.

INFLUENCED CLASSMATES

"She had been found behaving strangely while trying to recruit other pupils into the practice. We took this decision to save the other children from fear as most of them were shying away from school because of the girl," Mr Siro said.

In a letter expelling the pupil, Mr Siro said the decision was made by the school’s board of management.

“The board and the entire staff of Nyamome Primary wish to inform you of the unique character of your daughter, which is demonic,” reads the letter dated July 2, 2018 and addressed to the girl’s mother. “We advise that you take her for prayers.” Mr Siro said they were forced to act because the girl had influenced three of her schoolmates who were falling down in fits.

RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

But the girl’s mother described the decision to expel her daughter as unfair and inhumane. “What will I do with her? Where will I get another school in the middle of the term?” She asked.

She urged the Ministry of Education to intervene and let the girl be allowed back to school. Local children's rights activists have described the incident as unfortunate and insensitive. They have vowed to move to court should the ministry fail to act.

HEALTH CONDITION

"It is very unfortunate to expel an innocent girl from school on mere allegations,” said Ms Mary Akinyi, an activist.

Could the school head consider the fact that the girl could be having a health condition? why conclude the girl is a devil worshipper? We demand that the child be taken back to school forthwith or we will seek legal redress on behalf of the family," said Mary Akinyi, a children’s rights activist.

I appeal to the Ministry of Education to intervene and let my daughter go back to school and continue with her education," she added.