Parents and students of Kangaru Girls High School in Embu have called for the immediate removal of the school’s principal and matron over allegations of corporal punishment and student harassment.
The demands come in the wake of a dramatic student protest on Sunday night, when hundreds of learners staged a strike and walked out of the school in heavy rain. The students were later seen trekking along the Embu–Meru Highway toward Embu Town.
Police intervened and rounded up the students, who were then held overnight at Embu Stadium under tight security. They were released the following day and allowed to return home
The unrest followed a similar incident at the neighboring Kangaru Boys High School a day earlier, raising concerns about discipline and administration in the area’s learning institutions.
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On Thursday the school held a crisis meeting involving school management and county education officials, where parents accused the newly appointed principal who took over the school three months ago of condoning abusive disciplinary practices.
One parent, Sospeter Ndolo, alleged that students have been subjected to physical punishment and forced labor as a form of discipline.
“We have heard of incidents where students have been forced to work at construction sites within the school,” he said, terming the practices abusive rather than corrective.
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Parents also raised concerns over alleged favoritism, claiming the principal facilitated the transfer of a rugby team and coach from her previous school and granted them special privileges, including scholarships and better meals.
Additional grievances included claims of inadequate food portions and fears that the school’s academic performance could decline due to poor leadership.
By Our Reporter
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