Kenyan Student Brutally Beaten at School, Highlighting the Issue of Corporal Punishment
Caleb Mwangi, a student from Kenya, was subjected to a severe beating at his school over two years ago for taking extra food at breakfast. The incident was so traumatic that Caleb went into an induced coma and spent 11 days in intensive care. Now, filled with anger and struggling with the psychological effects of the near-death experience, he bears physical scars all over his body.
Corporal punishment in Kenyan schools has a long history, rooted in the colonial era. Though the practice was officially banned in 2001, it remains ingrained in the attitudes of many Kenyans. A recent report revealed that more than half of 18 to 24-year-olds in the country believe that teachers should be allowed to use corporal punishment.
There has been an alarming increase in the number of severe cases of corporal punishment being reported, despite efforts by organizations such as the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to train teachers in non-violent discipline methods. In the last three years, reports of severe school beatings have quadrupled, with most incidents going unreported. Tragically, more than 20 deaths linked to school beatings have also been reported.
One such victim was 15-year-old Ebbie Noelle Samuels, who died after being beaten by a deputy principal for her choice of hairstyle. Her mother, Martha Wanjiro Samuels, has tirelessly campaigned for justice for her daughter. Elizabeth Wairimu Gatimu, the former deputy principal, has been arrested for murder, but the case is ongoing.
Organizations like Beacon Teachers Africa, launched in Kenya by Plan International and the TSC, are working to bring about change. Through teacher training and educational programs, they aim to eradicate corporal punishment in schools and create safer learning environments for children.
As for Caleb and his family, they eagerly await justice for his former teacher, Nancy Gachewa. Caleb hopes to see her brought to justice for what she did to him, as he continues to cope with the long-lasting effects of his traumatic experience.
Watch the full BBC Africa Eye documentary, “Taught To Fear: Corporal Punishment in the Classroom,” on the BBC Africa YouTube channel.
