A section of parents at St. George’s Girls Senior School are calling for accountability and justice for their daughters who were allegedly subjected to indecent security checks in the wake of the recent wave of school unrest.
The parents who returned their girls to school on Monday after the midterm break say searches that border on sexual violation were conducted on the girls’ intimate body parts without consent and in unhygienic conditions. Brenda Wanga has more.
On the 15th of June, as learners returned to school after being sent home during the wave of school unrest that swept the country, they were subjected to security searches.
“My daughter told me they were being called, five of them. Then one was told, “You’re not going to get searched; go.” Then when she walked in, it was being done at the tuck shop. She was told to open her blouse. These purported police officers touched her breasts, looking, searching for drugs,” a parent complained.
St George’s Girls Parents Uproar
One parent alleged that she was informed the searches were carried out by a female police officer in a blue uniform, who allegedly selected students at random and separated them from the rest.
She claimed the girls were instructed to remove their bras and underwear before the officer allegedly conducted intrusive body searches in an attempt to check for drugs or other prohibited items.
Also Read: St Georges Girls History, Fees, Performance and Contacts
The parents say the school administration’s actions have sent their children to counseling.
“I asked her, why didn’t you tell me, but she said it had already happened and could not be undone. Those were her words. Because already, that clearly shows you that child is traumatized. Bare hands, no gloves, no consent that any child or any parent will recognize as such,” she said.
Call For Accountability From St George’s Girls Administration
Several parents have now reported the St. George’s Girls matter to the Kilileswa Police Station. They say they are not looking for an apology; they are looking for accountability.
The searches caused an uproar amongst parents, prompting the school’s principal to first acknowledge the act.
In communications shared through WhatsApp groups, St. George’s Girls Chief Principal Assumpta Mwangi said her foremost responsibility was to ensure the safety of students and that she chose to “err on the side of caution” in addressing potential security risks.
Also Read: At Least 200 Kenyan Schools Hit by Student Unrest; Daily Updates
She also acknowledged that some of the security measures may have caused discomfort, concern, or distress to students and parents and apologized to those affected.
“I acknowledge that some of the processes and actions undertaken may have caused discomfort, concern, or distress to some students and parents. If that was your experience, I am truly sorry,” she said.
In subsequent correspondence issued a day before the schools reopened after the midterm break, she doubles down, stating that security screening will continue, guided by clear standard operating procedures and in the presence of a PA representative.
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