TSC interdicts principal, deputy over sex abuse at girls' school

Mr Paul Gicheru, a teacher at Njoro Girls High School who was charged with sexually molesting six girls. FILE PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Ms Wanderi has, however, defended herself, saying she was not aware that the girls were being sexually harassed.
  • The school has since been closed after studentS held demonstrations over the incident.

The Teachers Service Commission has interdicted the Njoro High School principal and her deputy after one of the teachers at the institution was charged with sexually molesting six students.

Principal Milka Wanderi and deputy Esther Mbugua were served with interdiction letters Friday for "negligence of duty and failing to take action where six of their students were allegedly sexually molested".

Ms Wanderi has, however, defended herself, saying she was not aware that the girls were being sexually harassed.

In a video clip seen by the Nation, Ms Wanderi is seen addressing the female students, telling them that they should have reported the alleged abuse when it happened.

“I wish you also told us early, honestly, I learnt about this yesterday, we don’t solve things over night… go to class,” Ms Wanderi is seen telling the students, who then break down in tears and insist the headteacher was aware of the harassment.

TEACHING CERTIFICATE
The school has since been closed after students held demonstrations over the incident.

Speaking to the Nation by phone, TSC chairperson Lydia Nzomo said the teaching certificate of the teacher will be cancelled if he is convicted of the offences.

“The teacher can also not be employed in a private school, because once we cancel the certificate, the teacher is not allowed to practice,” said Dr Nzomo.

TSC Director of Education in Nakuru County Agnetta Kitheka said a Form Two student reported to the deputy headteacher after she was sexually abused by the teacher.

The deputy principal is said to have "guided, counselled and at the same time scolded the student for having a relationship with a teacher who is the age of her father.”

“The fact that she did not report to the headteacher, who would have then escalated (the matter) to the TSC, makes her negligent,” said Ms Matheka.

In June, the TSC revoked the teaching certificates of 126 teachers, among them two female teachers, for engaging in sexual relationships with students.