Kilifi Teacher Arrested Over Death of Pupil Linked to Corporal Punishment.
A primary school teacher in Kilifi has been arrested in connection with the death of a 15-year-old pupil at Gongoni Primary School, Kilifi South Sub-County, following allegations of corporal punishment.
According to DCI preliminary reports, the incident occurred on Friday, 19th September 2025, during the last lesson before games. The teacher, Mr. Ian Tembo, is said to have ordered Grade 8 pupils to kneel before he administered corporal punishment, during which some students were caned and others hit on the head.
One of the pupils, Anestine Dzidza Tunje, went home that afternoon and complained of headaches the next day which worsened over the weekend. She was admitted to Kilifi County Hospital and died on Thursday, 25th September 2025.
The family reported the matter to authorities two days later and investigations were launched. Police summoned Mr. Tembo on Wednesday, 1st October 2025 and he was taken into custody at Mtwapa Police Station.
Kilifi South Sub-County Police Commander, Mr. Hassan Kochale confirmed the arrest saying:
“The suspect is in custody and we will seek more time from the court to complete our investigations before the matter goes to trial.”
A post-mortem examination by government pathologists revealed that the pupil died from internal bleeding caused by blood clots in the brain. The autopsy also showed that the injuries were consistent with multiple hits to the head using a blunt object.
The deceased’s family members said the child had developed severe headaches before being admitted to Kilifi Referral Hospital where she died. Relatives including her father, Mr. Alex Tunje and grandmother, Ms. Carolyne Kiringi are calling for accountability saying corporal punishment is dangerous in schools.
Human rights organizations in the Coast region are also demanding the teacher be prosecuted and thorough investigations done. Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Mutisya said corporal punishment is prohibited under the Children Act and the Basic Education Act. He said disciplinary measures must be in line with the law.
Mr. Mutisya said:> “There are many laws that prohibit corporal punishment. When a child is in conflict with school rules, lawful disciplinary measures including parental involvement must be applied. Physical assault is illegal and unacceptable.”
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Human rights activist, Mr. Walid Sketty also condemned the incident saying it was a violation of children’s rights and called on law enforcement agencies to hasten the process.
DCI investigations are ongoing. The teacher is in custody pending court directions on pre-trial detention.
Kilifi Teacher Arrested Over Death of Pupil Linked to Corporal Punishment.
