KNUT, KUPPET intervene as angry parents threaten teachers at school in Kitale

The union officials appealed for calm and urged parents to allow investigations into the incident to proceed, warning against taking the law into their own hands.

The confrontation follows a viral video showing a 24-year-old woman identified as Dona Makena in a physical altercation with members of staff at the school on October 6, 2026. Makena had reportedly visited the institution seeking an explanation after her Grade Seven brother was sent home over outstanding lunch fees during the examination period.

Makena alleges that she was assaulted by teachers during the confrontation, claims that have sparked public outrage and renewed debate about the relationship between parents and school administrators.

However, the school's Board of Management has disputed her account, maintaining that staff restrained her after she allegedly became violent. The board has also said the headteacher reported an alleged assault to the police.

The administration of Kitale Forest Comprehensive School has defended its decision to restrain Makena following the confrontation with staff over her younger brother's outstanding lunch fees.

Board of Management chairman Pascal Wanyonyi confirmed that school staff tied Makena's hands but maintained that the action was taken after she allegedly became violent.

“Our headmaster has reported this matter at the police station and her hands were tied because she had become violent,” Wanyonyi said.

According to published accounts, Makena disputed the repeated dismissal of her brother and sought the school's intervention to enable him to continue with his examinations. She alleged that the confrontation escalated after she entered the headteacher's office to discuss the matter.

Makena claimed that she was physically assaulted by members of staff, restrained and left injured. Footage of the confrontation, including scenes showing her with her hands tied, subsequently circulated widely on social media, triggering public calls for investigations and accountability.

Her father, Zaverio Mung'athia, also spoke out over the incident, demanding justice for his daughter.

However, the school administration disputed Makena's account, maintaining that she arrived in a confrontational state and that staff restrained her because of her alleged violent behaviour. The chairman said the headteacher had reported the incident to the police.

The competing accounts have intensified scrutiny of how schools handle disputes involving parents or guardians, particularly those concerning fees and learners' access to examinations.

Trans Nzoia County Director of Education Dr Pamela Akello has said investigations are underway to establish what transpired at the institution and determine whether any offences were committed.

The matter has also reportedly been referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review and further action, according to sources.

The reported referral is expected to guide the next legal steps as authorities examine the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

The KNUT and KUPPET officials called on parents to seek redress through school administrations, education offices and other established channels rather than resorting to threats or violence.

They maintained that disagreements between parents and teachers should be resolved peacefully, stressing that schools must remain safe environments for learners, educators and members of the public.

The unions have also called for an impartial investigation, insisting that all parties involved should be heard before conclusions are reached.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, with questions raised about the handling of school levies, the treatment of parents visiting learning institutions and the safety of teachers in the course of their duties.