“I was humiliated at the school parade when the deputy headteacher said I was the ringleader of the students suspected of stealing. Yet, the school did not find any stolen item on me,”
John, his face concealed, sits beside his father who is demanding justice over delayed investigations into the brutal assault case at Khasoko High School. | Photo: Hubzmedia
A distraught parent in Bumula Sub-County, Bungoma County, is demanding justice for his Form Three son, who was allegedly assaulted by 10 prefects at Khasoko High School under the instruction of Deputy Principal Daniel Mwatuni. The boy, whose identity has been concealed and will be referred to as John, was accused of stealing five Bibles.
According to reports, on March 29, 2025, John and four other Form Three students were locked inside the school’s band room, where they were allegedly beaten, slapped, and hit with kicks, belts, and computer cables — leaving John with serious spinal injuries.
A medical report from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital indicates that John sustained injuries to his neck and spine. Speaking to Hubzmedia , the teenager recalled the ordeal:
John’s father displays documents from various offices he has visited in a relentless but frustrated search for justice over his son’s assault. | Photo: Hubzmedia
“They locked me up and beat me up badly. My body was in serious pain. I tried to ask for medical assistance from the school but no one helped me,” he said.
John says the on 1st April he was issued with a suspension letter without the school contacting his parents.
“I was humiliated at the school parade when the deputy principle said I was the ringleader of the students suspected of stealing. Yet, the school did not find any stolen item on me,” he recounted.
The incident has forced John to transfer to another school, which he says has affected him emotionally.
“I had just joined that school on 14th January 2025, and now my parents, fearing for my safety, have moved me. I feel sad that I am paying heavily for sins I never committed,” he said, fighting back tears.
John’s father, who has since filed an assault case, says he first reported the matter at Khasoko Police Station on April 3, 2025, under OB number 03. He was issued a medical report on June 6, 2025, but claims the case has stalled.
“Despite numerous statements having been recorded by police, there has been very minimal progress since March. No one has been arrested, and the matter seems to be dragging. There could be a cover-up to defeat justice,” said the father.
The family has also reported the matter to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) in Kakamega under reference number IPOA/CMU/003135/2025.
A section of Khasoko High School as captured on Tuesday during a journalists’ visit. The school principal declined to comment on the ongoing assault case. | Photo: Hubzmedia
“I have requested IPOA to institute independent investigations as I strongly feel the police may have been compromised by the school. I have also written to the Ministry of Education through the Principal Secretary in charge of Basic Education, citing the Basic Education Act 2013, the Teachers Service Commission Regulations 2015, and the Children’s Act 2020, which outlaws corporal punishment in schools,” he added.
The parent says the letter, sent on July 20, 2025, seeks the Ministry’s urgent intervention. He wants the deputy principal held accountable for allegedly directing prefects to mete out punishment on behalf of teachers.
When contacted by Hubz Media, the principal of Khasoko High School did not comment on the matter.However Johns father is concerned over the long delays by IPOA to hold to expedite Justice .
Meanwhile, John continues to struggle with his mental and emotional health while his father grapples with mounting hospital bills. The student said previous health challenges, including surgery on his right leg after burns at age three, have worsened due to the assault.
“The medical bills are digging deep into my father’s pockets. I just want justice,” he said quietly.
Eldoret Media Hub, a working space for journalists based in Uasin Gishu County set up by the Uasin Gishu Journalists Association (UGJA) through a Media Council of Kenya (MCK) grant.
The facility was officially opened in August 2021 by the MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo.
