Kilifi family demands justice for grade 8 pupil killed by teacher
A Grade Eight Pupil in Kilifi South Sub-County died on Tuesday, September 25, 2025, while undergoing medical treatment at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital after being brutally punished by his teacher.
The girl, Anestine Dzidza Tunje, 15 years, complained of a severe headache after being caned on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Gongoni Primary School in Kilifi County.
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His father, Alex Tunje, said her daughter’s problem started when she came home for lunch, complaining of a severe headache, but declined to report the matter.
He stated that her condition later deteriorated, prompting him to take her to Vipingo Health Centre for medication, where, after being given painkillers, they were referred to Kilifi Referral Hospital.
“When we arrived at Vipingo Health Centre, my daughter was unable to talk. She was injected with water and painkillers. After about an hour of being tested and examined, the doctor advised us to rush her to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she succumbed while undergoing medical treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” he said.
Tunje revealed that after the shocking news reached the school, tension ran high with learners disrupting learning activities for several hours.
They accused the teacher of brutally punishing her for the death of their colleague.
“This is when we realised the death of my daughter was a result of the corporal punishment allegedly served by his teacher,” Tunje said.
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The family now wants the government to intervene so that justice can prevail, adding that the deceased was a bright girl they loved and had high hopes for her.
“She was well-behaved, humble and a respectful student; we appeal for government agencies to expedite their investigation to arrest the perpetrator,” added Tunje.
Villagers and family friends have expressed mixed reactions, with many outraged by the excessive corporal punishment that the girl received from his teacher.
Caroline Kiringi, a close family member and a former teacher, said that the responsibility of all teachers is to ensure students are well-grounded not only in class but also morally.
“As much as it is the duty of teachers to instil discipline, they need to exercise caution and avoid going to extremes. There are other ways to punish a student without harming them but ensure they learn a lesson,” said Kiringi.
The autopsy
An autopsy report conducted by a government pathologist, Gideon Odhiambo, showed that the minor sustained head injuries with features of left parietal haemorrhage, secondary to blunt force trauma consistent with assaults.
The report also revealed that a CT scan done on Monday, September 22, 2025, shows a small left parietal subcortical parenchymal haemorrhage with minimal pericesional oedema.
Vocal Africa activist Walid Sketty condemned the use of harsh punishment on learners.
He explained that the move is a violation of the Basic Education Act, which sets clear guidelines for lawful and humane discipline of learners.
Walid also gave the government a 12-hour ultimatum to arrest the failed teacher, failing which he would conduct a citizen’s arrest and present the perpetrator to the police.
