A parent in Vihiga County is demanding justice for his 13-year-old daughter after her teacher allegedly assaulted her causing her bodily harm.
The family of the grade eight pupil at Walodea Primary School wants action taken against the teacher for reportedly beating the girl to the extent that she requires treatment to heal the injuries.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on January 29, 2026, has since sparked allegations of a cover-up involving the school administration and police officers.
According to the pupil’s father, Mr. Vitallis Opondo Okome, his daughter, Velma Achieng, sustained injuries after allegedly being beaten by a teacher identified only as Byron while at school.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Okome said the assault left the learner with a swollen hand and other bodily injuries. He claimed that when he sought an explanation from the school administration, he was denied an opportunity to speak to the teacher involved.
He alleged that the school head teacher, Ms. Roselyn Manono, instead assigned another teacher to accompany the pupil to the hospital and provided Sh1,000 for her treatment.
Okome said his daughter’s condition failed to improve, prompting him to revisit the school and inform the head teacher of his intention to report the matter to the police.
He further claimed that the head teacher dismissed his concerns, stating that she had already acknowledged the incident and contributed towards the learner’s treatment.
The matter was later reported to Walodea Police Station, which referred the pupil to Vihiga County Referral Hospital for examination and X-ray services.
According to medical reports, the pupil was later transferred to Itando Hospital for further examination.
Okome further alleged that when the head teacher was summoned by police, she was accompanied by a local official from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), whom he accused of influencing the handling of the case.
He claimed that despite filing a formal complaint and presenting evidence, including voice recordings, he was asked to rewrite his statement and provide additional witnesses before investigations could proceed.
The parent also alleged that he had been pressured to refund money purportedly used to influence the handling of the matter, a claim he strongly denied.
“I want justice for my daughter. The matter should be investigated thoroughly and those responsible held accountable,” said Okome.
Efforts to obtain comments from the school administration, the teacher accused of assault, and officers at Madede Police Station were unsuccessful by the time of filing this report.
The case remains under investigation.
By Anna Achieng
