St. George’s Girls in Nairobi shut down indefinitely after a night of riots over corporal punishment

Saint George’s Girls Secondary School has been closed down indefinitely after a night of protest by students over corporal punishment.

This was announced by the Nairobi County Commissioner, who said the decision to shut down the institution was made following disturbances that erupted overnight, prompting intervention by security agencies and the school’s board of management.

He added that investigations are on to establish the events that led to the unrest by students.

“We have decided as the security team and the board, and have declared the school closed. Further communications will be made later. Investigations on what transpired last night are ongoing,” he stated.

The overnight disturbances reportedly began after allegations emerged that a teacher had physically assaulted a student for leaving the dormitory to observe the lunar eclipse that occurred Sunday night.

The incident allegedly sparked outrage among the student body, leading to widespread unrest within the school compound.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that the teacher assaulted the kid leading to her being taken to the hospital that evening.

The incident allegedly sparked outrage among the student body, leading to widespread unrest within the school compound, even as form four students were preparing for an exam today, together with the rest of the students who were to later sit for their mid-term exams.

Reacting to the incident, Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris expressed concern over the school’s closure and its impact on students and families.

“I am concerned by the indefinite closure of St. George’s Girls ‘ Nairobi and the disruption to learners and families. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with investigations and ensure our children’s safety, dignity, and rights are upheld,” Passaris stated.

She emphasized the need for balance in addressing the situation, noting that “while every educator deserves training and support to uphold the highest level of professional standards, every child deserves a safe and nurturing learning environment.”