PS Julius Bitok Orders Readmission of Muslim Girl Forced out of Lwak Girls Over Hijab

Members of Parliament reminded the ministry of the constitutional implications, arguing that no person, including a child, should face discrimination on the basis of religion.

The legislators also noted inconsistencies in official reports, with PS Bitok acknowledging that the account from the Sub‑County Director of Education differed from the school’s version, signaling the need for a deeper investigation.

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“Is the girl in school or not?” Julius Melly asked.

In response, PS Bitok confirmed that the girl was out of school.

“Why? That is the question. Why? You are asking for more time, yet the girl is still at home?” asked one of the MPs present in the session. 

PS Bitok promised swift action, saying, “Honorable Chair, I will ensure the girl returns to school as soon as possible.”

Samira’s Experience at St. Mary’s Lwak Girls High School

Samira Ali Ramadhan (also known as Samira Ramadhan or Saira) joined the national school in Rarieda Sub‑County, Siaya County, in January 2026.

During the admission process, Samira and her parents were reassured by the principal and several staff members that the school respected religious diversity. 

They were clear and encouraging, telling her that she could continue wearing her hijab just as she had throughout her primary education.

Only a few weeks into the term, Samira reportedly began facing unexpected pressure from some teachers and, surprisingly, from a local Catholic priest affiliated with the church that sponsors the school.

What had been a supportive environment turned into one clouded by tension and repeated confrontations. Samira was asked several times to remove her hijab.

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Samira refused, but the pressure escalated. Feeling harassed and cornered, she voluntarily left the school to avoid further confrontation.

Previous Hijab‑Related Incidents in Western Kenya

A similar controversy emerged in June 2025 involving two church‑sponsored schools in Matungu Sub‑County, Mwira Secondary School and St. Agnes Girls Secondary, which were accused of sending home Muslim girls for wearing hijabs.

The National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) in Western Kenya condemned the actions as unconstitutional and a violation of the learners’ rights, stating that such actions violated the very spirit of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees equality, non‑discrimination, and freedom of religion.

They criticized the schools involved for disregarding the Ministry of Education’s guidelines and for perpetuating a pattern of exclusion that disproportionately affected Muslim girls across the region

At the time, parents and religious leaders demanded stricter enforcement of Ministry directives, noting that such cases persisted despite clear government circulars permitting religious attire in schools.