Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has called for the return of corporal punishment in Kenyan schools, arguing that its abolition has contributed to rising cases of indiscipline and unrest among students.
Speaking in an event on Tuesday, September 30, he insisted that the country must re-examine its education policies and engage in deeper discussions about discipline.
He suggested that removing corporal punishment had created an environment where learners no longer respect authority.
"We must have a bigger conversation as a country. Where did this policy that said we should remove corporal punishment in schools come from? I read the Bible, and the Bible says, 'if you spare the rod, you spoil the child,'" he said.
Cheruiyot defended the disciplinary methods used in the past, noting that they played a crucial role in shaping the character of many people today.
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"We were caned in school, and that is why we are where we are today; teachers did not kill us, they were disciplining us and teaching us respect. Ever since this policy of no more corporal punishment was introduced, that is when things like strikes have been happening in our schools," he added.
Cheruiyot's remarks come at a time when concerns over increasing cases of school strikes, destruction of property, and indiscipline among learners.
A week ago, Litein Boys High School in Kericho County was closed following a strike where they destroyed property of unknown value.
According to reports, the rampage damaged several key facilities, with students targeting the principal's office, laboratory equipment, and window panes of the administration block during the overnight disturbances.
The extent of the destruction became apparent Monday, September 22, when education officials and members of the Board of Management convened an emergency meeting at the bus park to assess the situation and determine the next course of action.
According to reports, the strike reportedly stemmed from a disagreement between the students and the staff, after they were denied permission to watch the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City.
The restriction reportedly triggered anger among football enthusiasts within the student body, escalating widespread unrest.
In the wake of this incident, students of Tengecha Boys High School in Bureti on Tuesday, September 23, went on strike and set a dormitory on fire, destroying property of unknown value.
The unrest began at around 9 PM, when students went on the rampage before they torched one of the dormitories.
The tension sparked concern in the Kapkatet area, prompting the locals to quickly mobilize themselves and rush to the school.
Police officers were also deployed to the institution, and with the help of the locals, they restored order and stopped the unrest from escalating further.
Videos and photos of the incident seen by Nairobileo.co.ke showed one of the dormitories in flames, with the locals on the scene trying to extinguish it.
