The Happyland School cover-up has a furious parent in Buruburu, Nairobi, calling out the management for allegedly trying to sweep a teacher’s sexual abuse of her daughter under the rug, leaving the family seeking justice amid growing community anger. The mother spoke out publicly after learning the school knew about the incidents but did little to act, allowing the accused teacher to stay on campus while the girl suffered in silence.
The trouble started when the Grade 9 student confided in her parent about repeated assaults by teacher Josue Canillo. She told how it happened three times since March 3, with two right inside the school grounds where she should have felt safe.
The girl described feeling trapped and scared, thinking no one would believe her against an adult in charge. When the mother confronted the administration, she claims they downplayed the whole thing – suggesting it was a misunderstanding or even hinting the child might have made it up.
“They wanted to protect their name more than my child,” the parent said in a heated interview that spread fast online. “How do you let this happen and then act like it’s no big deal?”
Neighbours and other parents heard the story and backed her up right away. One father from the area told me over coffee that schools like Happyland promise safety but drop the ball when it counts. “We send our kids there trusting they’ll be okay, not to come home broken,” he said, shaking his head.
The school, a preparatory spot in Buruburu known for its multi-storey building and blue gates, has stayed quiet on the allegations. Calls to the principal went unanswered, and a visit to the campus showed business as usual – kids playing outside, teachers chatting – like nothing happened.
This isn’t the first time Kenyan schools have faced heat over handling abuse. Just last year, similar cases popped up in other spots, with parents marching and demanding changes. Here, the mother isn’t stopping at words.
She’s filed a report with local police, pushing for Canillo’s arrest and a full look into how the school responded. “If they covered it up, they should answer for that too,” she insisted. Officers confirmed they’re on it, gathering statements and evidence, but no charges yet. Canillo, meanwhile, hasn’t shown up for work since the story broke, leaving everyone guessing where he went.
Social media turned the tale into a storm. Posts on Facebook and Instagram share the mother’s account, with hashtags calling for action against child predators in classrooms. One reel from a local page laid out the details, getting thousands of shares and angry comments.
“Schools need to step up or shut down,” one user wrote. Another shared a personal story of ignored complaints, saying it’s too common. The video highlights the girl’s bravery in speaking out but also the pain of not being heard at first.
Education officials in Nairobi know about it now. A ministry rep promised a quick check, saying child safety comes first and any cover-up won’t stand. But parents want more than words – real rules, like background checks for teachers and hotlines for kids to report without fear. Happyland’s rep takes a hit, with some families pulling kids out already. “I can’t trust them anymore,” one mom said while picking up her son early.
The mother stays strong for her daughter, getting her counselling and keeping her home from school for now. “She’s my world, and I’ll fight for her,” she said, voice cracking but eyes determined. Community groups rally around them, offering help and pushing for broader changes. Stories like this hit hard because they could happen anywhere – a reminder to listen when kids speak up.
As investigations roll, more details might come out. Canillo’s side stays silent; no statement yet. The school could face fines or worse if proven they hid things.
The mother hopes her stand helps others. “If it saves one child, it’s worth it,” she said. As Buruburu buzzes with talk, Happyland sits under a cloud. Time will tell if they clear it or let it storm.
