A 15-year-old pupil, Anestine Dzidza Tunje, has died after allegedly being struck on the head by her teacher at Gongoni Primary School in Vipingo, Kilifi County, Kenya.
The incident occurred on September 19, 2025, when the teacher, identified as Mr. Ian Tembo, allegedly hit pupils who failed to answer questions during a class session. Anestine later developed severe headaches and was rushed to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she died from a cerebral haemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma.
ALSO READ: Rich land, poor people: Nigeria ranks 2nd in poverty – Ex-NBS boss
Her father, Alex Tunje, said his daughter initially downplayed the pain because she did not want to miss exams, but her condition worsened until she was taken to the hospital. “The child was injured, possibly hit. We took her to the hospital around 5 a.m. Unfortunately, she did not make it,” he recounted.
Family members, including her grandmother, have condemned the incident, describing it as a needless tragedy. Witnesses allege that the teacher made pupils kneel before striking them on the head.
Authorities confirmed the suspect has been taken into custody, while community members have renewed calls for a total ban on corporal punishment in schools.
Kilifi County officials say investigations are ongoing to ensure justice for Anestine