By Patrick Mutisya,
A high school teacher has been arrested after he was busted with one of his female students at his house at Kyase market in Kathwonzeni, Makueni County.
Vigilant residents first reported the incident to the Yinthungu Sub Location Assistant Chief Christopher Nthiwa after they saw the Kyase Secondary School teacher lock himself inside his house with the female student.
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Nthiwa informed the police who immediately spead to the house to arrest the suspect over fears he was sexually abusing the student.
"Immediately, officers rushed to the scene and found one Kevin Otieno Okumu a BOM [Board of Management] teacher at Kyase locked himself in a house where [he] resides," said the police on their report on the incident that occurred on March 22.
After the teacher was compelled to open the door, police found the Form Four student under the bed naked.
Police claimed that they found the teacher also naked with a condom on and two other unused ones placed on his bed.
Under the bed, police also found two pairs of school uniform, colgate, toothbrush and two books belonging to the 22-year-old KCSE candidate.
"The two have been arrested and taken for medical examination at Kithuki Health Center," police said.
In Kenya, the legal age of consent to sexual intercourse is 18 years. The girl is 22.
However, the Teachers Service Commission's Administrative Circular No.3 of 2010 – Protection of Pupils/Students from Sexual Abuse, and the Teachers Code of Conduct and Ethics (the Code), especially regulations 66(2) bars teachers from such behaviours.
The TSC code bars teachers from engaging in any sexual activity whatsoever with a learner, regardless of whether the learner consents.
Teachers are also prohibited from seeking any sexual activity or favours from learners or flirting with them.
The code bars teachers from sending students into their houses or inducing or threatening or intimidating them in regard to their academic performance in exchange for sexual relationships.
Makueni County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim urged schools to thoroughly vet teachers employed by Boards of Management to ensure that they uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
"There are plenty of women out there who are looking for marriage partners. Teachers must stop targeting students," said Maalim.
