A junior secondary school (JSS) teacher in Nyamira County was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday after being physically assaulted by the school’s head teacher Dickens Omenda, allegedly for arriving late to work.
The incident, which has sparked outrage among local educators, occurred at a school in the region, though specific details about the institution have not been disclosed.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the confrontation took place in the presence of students, during which the head teacher reportedly slapped and kicked the teacher, identified as Vincent Onyancha.
The assault escalated when the head teacher allegedly dragged Onyancha to his office, where the beating continued.
Onyancha sustained injuries severe enough to require immediate medical attention and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Ikonge.
Officials from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) swiftly condemned the incident, calling it a “gross violation” of professional conduct.
Speaking to journalists in Ikonge, union representatives demanded that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) take swift legal action against the head teacher.
“This is unacceptable behaviour, and if no action is taken, teachers may boycott work in protest,” a KUPPET official warned.
The TSC Director for Nyamira County, Erick Magak, confirmed that the commission has received a report of the incident and has launched an investigation.
“We are treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Magak said, adding that further details would be provided as the inquiry progresses.
The assault has reignited debates about workplace tensions in Kenyan schools, with educators calling for better mechanisms to address disputes among staff.
The condition of the hospitalized teacher remains unclear, though he is said to be under close medical supervision.
Nyamira JSS teacher hospitalised after he was beaten by the head teacher for coming to school late pic.twitter.com/USKmDiJ4zC
— Radio Citizen (@RadioCitizenFM) February 26, 2025
