School Exposed for Allegedly ‘Expelling’ Student For Not Shaving Hair Against Her Faith
A Teso school has been exposed for allegedly dismissing a student whose faith forbids her from shaving her hair.
The girl’s mother stated that her daughter was expelled from St. Mark ACK Machakusi Secondary School on August 29 for refusing to shave her head.
“When I took her back to school, we were told that she must follow school regulations by shaving hair like other students,” she said.
Reuben Oliambo, the school’s principal, rejected accusations that the girl was expelled for failing to shave her head.
He stated that when the school’s Board of Management considered the issue, the girl’s mother claimed she would transfer her daughter to a school where long hair was permitted.
The principal reported that after the board meeting, the mother instructed her daughter to remain at home until she was admitted to a different school.
"Traditionally, every school has a disciplined culture. For purposes of uniformity, every student at our school is required to have short hair, stated Oliambo.
He stated that the girl used to shave her head before enrolling in school.
He said the matter didn’t escalate until she revealed she had joined a religion that forbids ladies and girls from shaving.
The girl’s mother claimed that her attempts to persuade the school’s principal that the matter had a religious basis went on deaf ears.
The institution insisted that the daughter would not be permitted to attend classes unless she shaved.
The founder of the church, Pastor Vincent Emuria, stated that the school made a mistake by sending the girl home despite Kenyan rules ensuring religious freedom in educational institutions.
Emuria stated, "Our request to the Ministry of Education is that it assist the girl in returning to school while following to her religious beliefs.”
The child stated that she enjoys studying as much as she enjoys contributing to the Christian community.
On June 19, 2022, President Uhuru Kenyatta requested that school administrators permit students to pursue their religious beliefs freely.
School Exposed for Allegedly ‘Expelling’ Student For Not Shaving Hair Against Her Faith