Lugulu Girls closed after protests over student’s alleged defilement
Lugulu Girls High School in Bungoma County has been closed indefinitely following protest over the alleged defilement of a student in a bathroom on Saturday.
Following the incident, irate students demanded that the perpetrator be arrested.
They accused the principal of not taking action and harassing them whenever they complained.
"Our principal, instead of listening to our agony, says that we should not soil the name of the school since she wants to bag the principal of the year award," said one student.
The school's board of management decided to close the school indefinitely as police and administration investigate the incident.
Bungoma East Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) Secretary-General Aggrey Namisi said that the students were angered by Principal Dinaa Cheruiyot’s slow response after the matter was reported and failure to take action.
He said that some students had complained before of being sexually harassed by some teachers and support staff but their cries were not seriously addressed.
"The students have been sent home and will be communicated to on when to resume after a thorough probe has been conducted," the Knut official said.
Protests
The incident that allegedly happened at one of the school's dormitory bathrooms sparked protests from irate students who walked over six kilometres to Webuye police station.
Bungoma residents and local leaders have also come out to condemn the alleged incident.
Bungoma County Woman Rep Catherine Wambilianga said it was quite unfortunate, adding that it should be speedily investigated.
“I want to express my concerns and condemn with utmost clarity the defilement of the minor. It is the right of every child to access quality education and be protected at all costs by the authorities in whose care the parents have bestowed responsibility,” she said.
“It is a school that we are proud of and therefore, we must guard the good culture and the safety of the girls, teachers and employees at all times,” she added.
