Senate has launched a scathing critique on the country’s education oversight bodies, accusing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education of systemic failure in protecting students from sexual abuse in schools.
The outcry follows disturbing revelations involving Peter Ayiro, a senior teacher at Alliance Girls High School, who allegedly exploited his role as a spiritual mentor to groom and abuse students over several years. The allegations, first exposed by Africa Uncensored, have triggered national outrage and renewed scrutiny of safeguarding protocols in learning institutions.
Senator Hamida Kibwana, speaking during a Senate session, said the case reflects a broader crisis in school governance. “This is not an isolated incident. It points to a breakdown in ethical enforcement and a culture of silence that shields predators,” she said.
Kibwana called for a full audit of safeguarding mechanisms in boarding schools, particularly those for girls, and urged the Ministry to establish mandatory codes of conduct governing teacher-student interactions.
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She also demanded reforms within TSC to ensure that complaints are properly logged, investigated, and acted upon.
Testimonies from survivors and former staff describe Ayiro as a charismatic figure who used his influence as Christian Union patron to isolate and manipulate students, some reportedly as young as 13. Victims say the abuse left lasting emotional scars, compounded by institutional inaction.
Senator Samson Cherargei expressed concern that despite repeated warnings and internal complaints, Ayiro retained his position for years. “Multiple principals served during this period, yet no action was taken. This is a failure of leadership and accountability,” he said.
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The Senate is now pushing for a national safeguarding framework that prioritizes student welfare over institutional reputation. Lawmakers warned that Ayiro’s case may be emblematic of deeper, unreported abuses across the country.
“This must be a turning point,” Kibwana added. “We owe it to every child in our schools to dismantle the silence and build systems that protect, not conceal.”
By Masaki Enock
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