Schoolgirl Dies After Being Hit on Head by Teacher as Punishment

A tragic incident in Kenya has sparked outrage after a 15-year-old schoolgirl died from injuries allegedly inflicted by her teacher during a classroom lesson.

The pupil, identified as Anestine Dzidza Tunje of Gongoni Primary School in Vipingo, Kilifi County, reportedly suffered fatal head injuries on September 19, 2025, when her teacher, Mr. Ian Tembo, allegedly struck pupils who failed to answer questions.

Witnesses said Anestine was among the students forced to kneel before being hit on the head. Soon after, she began to complain of severe headaches. Her condition worsened over the next few days until she was rushed to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she died while receiving treatment.

A post-mortem examination revealed that she succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage caused by blunt force trauma. Her father, Alex Tunje, recounted how she endured the pain at home because she was determined not to miss school ahead of exams. “The child was injured, possibly hit. We took her to the hospital around 5 a.m. Unfortunately, she did not make it,” he said.

Her grieving mother, Amina Deri, described the girl as a hardworking child who supported the family with chores after school. “Even if he is jailed, will it bring back my daughter? I had three children; now I have two. She was taken from us in the cruelest way,” she lamented.

Authorities confirmed that the teacher initially fled after the incident but has since been taken into police custody. The case was reported at Kijipwa Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.

The death has stirred widespread anger in Kilifi and beyond, with calls for justice and renewed debate over corporal punishment in schools. Community leaders, education advocates, and parents are demanding stronger protections for children in learning institutions. Kilifi County officials have assured the public that the matter will be pursued to its conclusion.