The Federation of Women Lawyers-Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) is calling on the Ministry of Education to take firm action against Alliance Girls High School following serious accusations of sexual abuse involving one of its educators.
The allegations emerged after several former and current students accused teacher Peter Ayiro of sexual misconduct, as revealed in an exposé by Africa Uncensored.
FIDA Chairperson Christine Kungu, in a statement on Tuesday, July 8, condemned the school administration for failing to take decisive action. She stressed the need for immediate disciplinary and legal measures targeting all parties complicit in enabling the abuse.
“We demand that the Ministry of Education hold the school accountable for its failure to safeguard students from harm and initiate disciplinary and legal action against those responsible for enabling this abuse,” FIDA stated in part.
The documentary, titled “The Teacher and the System,” revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse spanning years. Drawing from victims’ testimonies, digital records, internal accounts, and the investigation depicted how Ayiro allegedly manipulated and exploited students, assisted by a system that protected him.
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Despite multiple reports filed in 2018 and 2021, no action was taken. According to the findings, staff who noticed troubling behaviour often remained silent due to fear or the belief that the school system would shield the teacher.
Just before the release of the exposé, Ayiro sought a court order to stop its publication, claiming it would cause him irreversible damage, including reputational harm and possible job loss. Although an injunction was initially granted, it was later overturned, allowing the report to go public.
FIDA has further urged the Ministry to mandate every school—whether public or private—to adopt explicit Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) policies. They also recommended that teachers undergo compulsory yearly training on preventing and addressing sexual and gender-based abuse.
“The Ministry must also implement institutional mechanisms for students to report abuse without fear of retaliation. Finally, the Ministry must provide clear and enforceable measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all learners,” added the statement.
The organisation encouraged survivors to come forward, promising them legal aid and mental health support to pursue justice. FIDA also highlighted that protecting students is vital to restoring credibility in Kenya’s education sector
“We applaud the survivors for breaking their silence and challenging a culture of impunity within the school that has, for too long, threatened the safety and dignity of students at Alliance Girls High School,” FIDA said.
“Schools, as spaces of learning and growth, must be held to the highest standards when it comes to protecting the best interests of the child.”
By Joseph Mambili
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