- The primary school teacher was convicted of abusing his position of authority in relation to a minor.
- He was acquitted of defilement after the prosecution presented six witnesses before the Kilifi court.
- The magistrate warned teachers to maintain professional boundaries and protect learners entrusted to their care.
A primary school teacher in Kilifi County has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of abusing his position of authority to pursue a sexual relationship with a student.
Gipson Ziro Shida, 43, was sentenced by Kilifi Law Courts Magistrate Ivy Wasike after being found guilty under Section 24(4) of the Sexual Offences Act.
Shida was acquitted of defilement, a more serious charge, but convicted of abusing his position of authority in relation to the minor.
The offence was reported to have occurred on October 21, 2021, in Ganze Sub-County, Kilifi County.
The prosecution called six witnesses, including the minor, her mother, the school headteacher, an area assistant chief and a clinical officer.
Court hears how case emerged
The court heard that the teacher’s relationship with the learner was discovered after an informer overheard schoolchildren discussing the matter and alerted another teacher.
The minor later confirmed the allegations during a meeting with the teacher.
According to the prosecution, Shida had earlier written the learner a love letter before taking her to a bush, where he attempted to have sexual intercourse with her.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Nancy Njeru urged the court to consider that Shida was a teacher who was expected to protect and guide the learner rather than exploit her vulnerability.
During mitigation, Shida pleaded for forgiveness, saying his family depended on him and that he was worried about how they would cope in his absence.
Magistrate warns teachers
However, Magistrate Wasike warned teachers against exploiting their positions of trust and authority to pursue romantic relationships with learners.
She said teachers should be role models and key pillars in guiding students academically and morally while maintaining professional boundaries.
The magistrate further stressed that interactions between teachers and learners must remain strictly professional and focused on education, mentorship and the protection of children.
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Shida’s record was forwarded to the Teachers Service Commission through the County Director of Education.
He was granted 14 days to appeal against the conviction and sentence.
By Salim Mwachofi
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