Kilifi Teacher Arrested Over Pupil’s Death Linked to Caning
The teacher is in custody and we are pursuing some clues to determine the circumstances under which the girl died directly.
The cause of death has not only created a criminal case but reopened discussions about the dangers of corporal punishment in schools. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
A primary school teacher in Kilifi County was arrested following the death of a 15-year-old student under conditions that are believed to have been caused by corporal punishment. The incident has caused public outrage and controversy over the issue of corporal punishment in schools.
Early reports indicate the incident occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Gongoni Primary School in Kilifi South Sub-County. Police sources indicate that the teacher, a Mr. Ian Tembo, was administering the last lesson before the games session when he reportedly directed a group of Grade Eight students to kneel down. He thereafter administered corporal punishment to them.
Some of the students were reportedly caned and others were hit on the head. Anestine Dzidza Tunje was one of the victims at 15 years old. Upon entering home that day, she began experiencing severe headaches. The pain persisted over the weekend, gradually increasing despite attempts to treat the pain at home.
Her condition worsened significantly, and her family rushed her to Kilifi County Hospital. The medical officers at the facility attempted to stabilize her, but despite their efforts, Anestine passed away on September 25, 2025. The tragic news left her family and community stunned with grief.
The girl’s relatives complained to police two days later prompting a formal DCI investigation. The police, responding to the complaint, invited the teacher in for interrogation. He was arrested on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Mtwapa Police Station as detectives began piecing together the evidence in the case.
Kilifi South Sub-County Police Commander Hassan Kochale confirmed the arrest and further said that detectives are attempting to connect the corporal punishment with the student’s death. He also reported that detectives will seek extra time from court in order to finalize their inquiries before charges can be laid against the suspect.
The teacher is in custody and we are pursuing some clues to determine the circumstances under which the girl died directly. We will seek more time in court to complete investigations before trial,” Kochale said.
The cause of death has not only created a criminal case but reopened discussions about the dangers of corporal punishment in schools. Even though it is prohibited in Kenyan schools, there are accusations of teachers carrying out corporal punishment, which causes controversy regarding its implementation.
As the case unfolds, the citizens of Kilifi are waiting for Anestine to receive justice as they call for more enforcement of child protection laws and further campaigns about alternative means of disciplining children in schools.
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