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Six Itumbe DOK Primary School teachers, arrested after they were caught punishing students in a disturbing video warned of a crisis in the school following their arrests and interdiction.
Through their lawyer, Edward Begi, the teachers, on Thursday, January 2, pleaded with the court to have them released to return to a class given that only one teacher was left in school.
Begi – who opposed the police’s request to hold them for 14 days – explained that the move would affect other students.
He added that no clear charge had been preferred against the six. Hence it was not justified to hold them for that long.
Undated photo of the Kisii Central Police Station’s entrance
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“These teachers have a role to play as they are supposed to be in class. Who will be teaching the rest of the students if they are taken in for those days?” the lawyer posed.
In particular, he noted that the Junior Secondary School (JSS) students would be affected, given that no one had been deployed in the school.
“The school has only remained with one teacher; furthermore, we are under a new curriculum of CBC. Junior Secondary learners reported just the other day, and it was clear that up to now, no new teacher has been posted to oversee the JSS learners.
“It was said that those who were already there should continue teaching them. Who will look after them?” he wondered.
Ogembo Senior Principal Magistrate Paul Biwott is expected to make a determination over the matter on Friday, January 3.
The six teachers were interdicted after they were arrested following an uproar among Kenyans over the video.
In a letter addressed to the six, TSC demanded the tutors show cause for their actions.
“Before the commission proceeds to consider and determine your case, you are invited to make a defense statement and response in writing within 21 days from the date of this letter,” TSC added.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and TSC boss Nancy Macharia are yet to speak on the teachers’ replacement.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu during the release of 2022 KCSE results on January 20, 2023.
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