Chesamisi KCSE candidate cries for safety after father was beaten by principal
By Douglas Dindi, October 28, 2025The Kenya National Examination Council (Knec) has said it has not received any formal request from a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate at Chesamisi Boys High School to sit his exams away from the institution, despite safety concerns following an assault incident involving his father and the school principal.
Knec Chief Executive Officer David Njengere told journalists that the local education office had not officially notified the council about any request from the student, identified as Jonah Makani. The exams are set to begin on Monday, November 3, 2025.
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“For all such matters, we need official communication through the Sub-County Director of Education,” Njengere said in a text response.
Fears over safety
Jonah’s father, Josephat Makani, says he has been in constant communication with the Kimilili Sub-county Education Office for the past week, seeking to have his son relocated to another examination centre over fears for his safety.
Kimilili Sub-county Director of Education David Wasike confirmed that his office had submitted a report to Knec on the matter and was awaiting a final decision.
“Only Knec can authorise such changes. As an office, we have investigated and shared our findings. The council may consult police over the alleged safety concerns,” said Wasike.
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Jonah, however, failed to attend the KCSE rehearsal at Chesamisi Boys, saying the environment would cause him emotional distress.
“Don’t compromise my peace, safety, and security. Please relocate me from Chesamisi. It’s hostile and traumatic; it reminds me of the September 19 attack,” he pleaded.
Calls for action
His father, Josephat, said he received a phone call from Knec’s Bungoma County officer, Epha Tango, who assured him of his son’s safety at the same school but declined to issue an official statement.
“Knec said it’s not part of the dispute but won’t offer an alternative centre. I’ve been given verbal assurances about my son’s safety under the same hostile hands,” Josephat said.
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He added that until Knec gives written assurance, he remains fearful. “If the principal’s actions were right, then I don’t want to be wrong again,” he said.