KCSE candidate refuses to sit exams at Chesamisi Boys after father’s assault
A Form Four candidate whose father suffered a beating at Chesamisi High School while responding to a summons has opted out of taking his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams there.
Speaking exclusively to K24 Digital on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the candidate, Jonah Makani, alias JMM, said he did not attend the KCSE rehearsal at Chesamisi Boys and has stayed away from the school premises to avoid traumatic memories of that attack.
You might also like
Also watch: KCSE kicks off as over 960,000 candidates begin national exams
“My plea to the KNEC (exams body) is: do not compromise my peace, safety and security. Please relocate me from the Chesamisi exam centre. It is hostile and traumatic. It reminds me of the September 19, 2025, attack,” JMM said.
Jonah’s father, Josephat Makani, said he cannot fathom entrusting Principal Protues Ndombi, who is under police investigation over the assault incident, with the custody of his son again.
He said he is waiting for KNEC’s decision on a request to change the exam centre for his son.
“I talked to the Kimilili sub-county director of education and asked for the shift based on the prevailing circumstances. He requested me to ask the DCI to write to KNEC about the security issue.”
Principal Ndombi, who has been at the school for less than three months, did not answer our calls or SMS queries on the matter.
Also watch: Students to collect KCSE certificates from govt offices, not schools – Ogamba
However, the School Parents Association (PA) chairman, Ben Keverenge, called this reporter and claimed it was agreed that the student would return to school.
“The school administration is guaranteeing the boy’s safety and security. KCSE is a contract between the candidate and KNEC, and so my advice is that this parent should not use his son in this war,” Keverenge said, admitting the school had not committed formally.
The Kimilili sub-county director of education, David Wasike, stated that his office is in talks with KNEC, adding that a decision is expected before Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
“Such a change is a prerogative of KNEC and is not dependent on the candidate’s whim. As an office, we’ve investigated and filed our findings with Nairobi. Knec may require a police report on alleged safety and security concerns in order to make a determination,” Wasike said on the phone.
Makani recalled that on September 19, 2025, he received a call summoning him to school urgently over a USB issue, unaware he was driving into a trap that would place both him and his two sons in danger.
JMM has now been out of class for close to one and a half months.
“There was a disciplinary issue involving my son, a USB cable and a phone cover recovered from him. The school insisted it was urgent, but upon arrival I was handed my son and his belongings and asked to leave,” Makani said.
He said he stormed the deputy principal’s office to demand an official leave letter, leaving his elder son behind.
“As I waited for the release letter, I heard commotion and screams and rushed outside, only to find the principal trampling on my son. He also punched me in the face as I approached and rallied the teachers as if he were under attack.”
At least 1 million KCSE candidates are set to sit their final O-Level exams, which will officially begin on November 3, 2025.
