The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has reprimanded the alleged sexual misconduct by a teacher at Alliance Girls High School.
According to Africa Uncensored’s Deep Dive newsletter, the accusations point to a teacher who serves as the school’s Christian Union Patron as the perpetrator.
FIDA-Kenya expressed concern over the shocking reports and pledged unwavering solidarity to the brave students who spoke out boldly.
“These reports are not just shocking, they are heartbreaking,” said FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu on Monday.
“We are appalled that a person charged with guiding and mentoring students could instead use that position to allegedly harm them. These young women have shown tremendous courage by speaking up, and we stand with them.”
Kungu pointed out that the survivors’ testimonies reveal more than isolated incidents, but a systemic pattern of neglect and abuse by those charged with the responsibility for the safety of the students..
“What we are hearing from these students points to years of unchecked abuse and silence. It reveals an institutional failure to respond, act, andprotect. That is not just unacceptable. It is dangerous,” she said.
The organisation urged institutions across the country to employ the case of the Alliance Girls High School as an eye-opener.
“That this may have happened in one of the country’s most respected schools for girls makes it even more disturbing,” Kungu said.
“Schools should be places where children grow, learn and feel safe, not spaces where abuse is allowed to continue in silence.”
FIDA-Kenya referred to the Constitution to remind the government and schools that it is their responsibility to ensure that all students gain knowledge in a safe and secured environment.
The group further stated that it is currently providing legal and psychosocial support to the victims. It further asked for others who have also been victimized in the same manner to step forward.
“We want every girl who has experienced abuse to know that she is not alone. We will walk with you, support you, and fight for your right to justice and healing.”
FIDA issued a strong call to action, which urged the Alliance Girls High School, as well as the Ministry of Education, to act quickly and with precision.
It asked the Board of Management of the Alliance Girls High School to carry out an urgent and transparent investigation into the allegations. The organization also called on the Ministry to take decisive disciplinary and legal action against anyone who may have enabled or turned a blind eye to the abuse.
“The school must account for what happened,” Kungu said. “The Ministry must lead from the front in making sure this never happens again.”
The team called on the Ministry to make all schools have clear gender-based violence policies. It emphasized the need to provide mandatory training of teachers in the prevention and response to abuse and to create safe, accessible means of reporting by students.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Kungu said. “We must protect our children, not tomorrow, but now.”
She added that survivors from Alliance Girls or any other school can reach out to FIDA-Kenya for support through their toll-free line 0800 720 501 or by email at [email protected].
