Anestine Dzidza Tunje, a 15-year-old student in Grade 8 at Gongoni Primary School located in Vipingo, Kilifi County, Kenya, tragically lost her life following injuries reportedly caused by her teacher during school hours.
On September 19, 2025, the teacher, Mr. Ian Tembo, allegedly struck several students on their heads after they failed to answer questions correctly. Anestine was among those hit and later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
This heartbreaking event has reignited debates about the use of corporal punishment and the safety of students within schools in the region.
Medical examination after her death revealed that Anestine died from a cerebral hemorrhage, a result of blunt force trauma to her head.
Her family firmly believes that the fatal injuries were inflicted during the physical punishment administered by the teacher, who has since absconded from the school.
Alex Tunje, Anestine’s father, shared that his daughter began complaining of intense headaches soon after the incident occurred.
She was taken to Kilifi County Referral Hospital early the next morning but, despite medical efforts, she passed away while undergoing treatment.
“She was hurt, likely from being hit. We rushed her to the hospital around 5 a.m., but sadly, she did not survive,” Tunje recounted.
Witnesses and classmates reported that the teacher struck students who failed to answer questions during a lesson on the dangers of irresponsible sexual behavior.
Students unable to respond were reportedly ordered to kneel and were then struck on the head by the teacher. Anestine was among those subjected to this punishment and sustained the fatal injury during this time.
Carolyne Kiringi, Anestine’s grandmother, expressed deep sorrow and condemned the teacher’s actions.
“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 was determined to attend 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 take her to a health facility. She was eventually transferred to Kilifi County Referral Hospital, where she died.
The autopsy confirmed that her death was caused by a blood clot resulting from the cerebral hemorrhage linked to the head trauma.
Meanwhile, the teacher implicated in the incident initially went into hiding. However, Kilifi South Assistant County Commissioner Yusuf Mohamed later 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,” lamented 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.”
The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage, 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 assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that justice for Anestine will be pursued diligently.
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