TSC interdicts teachers in viral children sex video

Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has interdicted six teachers involved in a viral video of children coerced to engage in an indecent act, depicting homosexuality in the school compound.

The six pupils were all Grade 2 learners at Itumbe DOK Primary School in Nyamache, Kisii county, with the teachers now interdicted effective February 2.

TSC stated that the teachers breached the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Teachers by exposing the learners to indecent acts by directing them to engage in inappropriate acts depicting homosexuality within the school compound.

“You actively participated, aided and abated the recording of a video footage of the minors who pursuant to the teachers’ coercion were engaged in acts depicting homosexuality and circulated the same on social media hence causing trauma, psychological/mental torture and embarrassment to the minors,” said the TSC in the interdiction letter.

Before proceeding to determine their cases, TSC invited them to make a defense response to TSC in writing within 21 days from yesterday. The teachers are required to show cause why they should not be deregistered.

“You will be given an opportunity of being heard by the Commission in person. Indicate the nearest TSC Sub County office where you will be required to report once a month,” TSC directed.

Vacate office

The teachers are also to present any other evidence including documents in support of your case and to also immediately vacate office.

“Provide your contact address, email and telephone number. Forfeit your annual leave,” the TSC added.

The teachers interdicted include William Isoka, Evelyne Moraa, Catherine Mokera Mokaya, Druscilla Nyairo, Gladys Kenyanya and Angelica Joseph.

Police said they received reports from sub county Director of Education, Linet Onduso on Wednesday of the viral clip and immediately launched investigations.

Police officers were then dispatched to the school and once they confirmed that it originated from the schools, the six teachers involved were arrested.

One of the teachers admitted to sharing the clip to colleagues and it spread out.

Separately, Ogembo Senior Principal Magistrate, Paul Biwott yesterday directed that seven teachers of Itumbe DOK primary school be detained at Nyangusu police station till today when he will rule on an application by the prosecution to detain them for fourteen days. This is after the teachers, Obadiah Nyaribo, Moraa, Isoka, Kenyanya and Angelicah were presented in court.

Prosecution Counsel, Ian Makotsi told the court they wanted them held for fourteen days to allow the investigators complete their work. They did not take plea.

Makotsi told the court that if the respondents are released, they will interfere with the investigation, adding that the rights of the children should be safeguarded at all times.

“The suspects were arrested on Wednesday and their phones confiscated for analysis. The matter has elicited public interest. Vulnerable children were subjected to inhuman and degrading situation,” Makotsi told the court.

 Prosecution application

Lawyer for the teachers Edward Begi opposed the prosecution’s application to hold the teachers for 14 days, saying it will paralyze learning at the school and violate their right to basic education.

Begi, who was assisted by Julius Ondika, told the court no charges have been preferred against the teachers and urged the court not be used by the prosecution as a holding ground.

“The school has eight teachers.  The school is not closed and there are no teachers to protect the children and it is wrong to deny them the right to basic education,” Begi said.

He told the court the Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers were yet to report to school and the ones currently in school were required to assist, adding that if the teachers are held in custody, it will affect the learners’ education.

Ondika told the court that the teachers were not a flight risk and the prosecution has not told the court how they will interfere with the investigation, terming the application defective.

Upholds dignity

According to the Code of Conduct for teachers, they should ensure that their  conduct upholds dignity and integrity of the teaching service.

“A teacher shall be entrusted with the duty of care of a duty to protect a child, including a child with special needs and shall take all reasonable children steps to ensure the child is protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, discrimination, inhuman treatment, corporal punishment and exposure to hazardous or exploitative labour,” Clause 9 of the Code states.

The conduct also states that a teacher’s position is of public trust and the authority and responsibility vested in their offices should be exercised in the best interest of learners, institution and members of the public.

Similarly, the TSC Act  states that the Commission may, after inquiry, cause to be removed from the register, the name of any person who it has directed as a result of disciplinary proceedings.

The video of minors sparked fury and outrage from Kenyans, who said that it was unacceptable for teachers to conduct themselves in such a demeaning manner.

 “Very unprofessional teachers and should be sacked. They lack moral values,” said a twitter user.

 “But what was in the minds of those teachers? It is very cruel. Parents entrust their kids to such sadists. This is really the worst that could happen to these kids,” said another. “So why hide their faces and they were laughing so loudly in that video without hiding? Posed a user, while commenting on the teachers who appeared in court covering their faces.

With another adding: “This is so humiliating. Adults need to leave children alone! What is this?”