By John Kariuki
The Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA), led by its National Chairperson Hon. Leah Sankaire, has come out with the strongest possible condemnation following the disturbing humiliation of two sisters from Kenana Primary School in Njoro, Nakuru County. The girls, who were shamed for lacking underwear, were subjected to degrading treatment that has sparked national outrage and revealed deep-seated insensitivity within the education system.
Hon. Sankaire castigated the school’s actions as a shameful violation of the girls’ dignity and fundamental rights. She asserted that no child should ever be reduced to an object of ridicule simply because of poverty, describing the incident as a moral and institutional failure that dishonors Kenya’s commitment to protecting children. Sankaire warned that if such injustices are not confronted decisively, they will breed a culture of impunity where educators become perpetrators instead of protectors.
In her remarks, Sankaire demanded urgent accountability, insisting that the teachers and administrators involved must face immediate disciplinary action. She stressed that KEWOPA will not sit back and watch as vulnerable girls are scarred by a system that should shield them. Instead of punishing children for their lack, she argued, schools must be havens of compassion and empowerment.
The KEWOPA Chair further called on Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba to intervene swiftly and guarantee the sisters not only return to school but also receive psychosocial support to heal from the trauma. He must ensure the Ministry of Education treats this as a wake-up call to confront the silent crisis of poverty in schools. (The current Cabinet Secretary for Education is Julius Migos Ogamba.)
“This barbaric incident is an affront to the conscience of our nation,” Sankaire stated firmly. “It is unacceptable, it is demeaning, and it will not be tolerated. KEWOPA will relentlessly pursue justice for these girls until accountability is achieved and structural reforms are put in place.”
The association reaffirmed its resolve to stand with all Kenyan children, warning that any future acts of humiliation, intimidation, or abuse against young girls will be met with unyielding resistance and public outcry