A tragic event unfolded at Gongoni Primary School in Vipingo, Kilifi County, Kenya, where 15-year-old Anestine Dzidza Tunje, a Grade 8 student, lost her life following injuries allegedly caused by a teacher during class hours.
The teacher, Mr. Ian Tembo, is accused of striking students on the head on September 19, 2025, as a form of punishment for failing to answer questions. Anestine was reportedly among those hit and later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
This heartbreaking incident has reignited the debate surrounding corporal punishment and the safety of learners within schools in the region.
Medical examination revealed that Anestine died from a cerebral hemorrhage, a result of blunt force trauma to the head.
Her family firmly believes that the fatal injuries were inflicted during the physical discipline administered by the teacher, who has since absconded from the school.
Anestine’s father, Alex Tunje, shared that his daughter began suffering from intense headaches soon after the incident.
She was taken to Kilifi County Referral Hospital early the next morning but tragically passed away while undergoing treatment.
“The child was hurt, likely from being struck. We rushed her to the hospital around 5 a.m., but sadly, she did not survive,” Tunje recounted.
Witnesses and classmates reported that the punishment occurred during a lesson on the consequences of irresponsible sexual behavior. Students unable to answer questions were made to kneel and were then hit on the head by the teacher.
Anestine was among those subjected to this disciplinary action and sustained the fatal injury during the process.
Her grandmother, Carolyne Kiringi, expressed deep sorrow and condemned the teacher’s conduct.
“This is a devastating loss. No child should endure such brutality in a place meant for learning,” she said.
After the incident, Anestine returned home complaining of severe headaches but insisted on attending school the following day due to upcoming exams.
Despite her father’s advice to seek medical care, she opted to take painkillers, fearing she might miss her tests.
Her condition deteriorated over the next few days, with intermittent fevers prompting her family to seek medical help. She was eventually transferred to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she passed away.
The autopsy confirmed that her death was caused by a blood clot resulting from the head trauma.
Meanwhile, the teacher implicated in the incident has reportedly gone into hiding. However, Kilifi South Assistant County Commissioner Yusuf Mohamed confirmed that the suspect is now in police custody.
The family has voiced frustration over what they perceive as a delayed response from law enforcement, with the case registered at Kijipwa Police Station.
“Even if he is imprisoned, it won’t bring my daughter back. I had three children; now I have two,” mourned Anestine’s mother, Amina Deri. “She was my helper, always coming home to assist with chores and prepare meals. She was taken from us in the most cruel way.”
This tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation, with community members and child rights advocates demanding a thorough investigation and accountability.
There is a growing call to end corporal punishment in schools and to implement stronger safeguards to protect students from abuse.
Authorities in Kilifi County have pledged to continue their investigations and ensure justice is served for Anestine’s untimely death.