MOMBASA – A primary school teacher who was entrusted with shaping young minds will instead spend the next 25 years behind bars after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student.
On March 6, the High Court in Mombasa, presided over by Justice Ann Ong’injo, overturned an earlier acquittal and delivered a decisive ruling against Joseck Okumbe. The court found that Okumbe, who taught Social Studies, Christian Religious Education, and English, had used his position of trust to exploit his students.
The case revolved around disturbing incidents that took place on school grounds in Kisumu between October 12 and 19, 2020. Okumbe was found guilty of showing pornographic content to children and committing acts of abuse under the guise of mentorship. The evidence, largely based on testimony from the victim and her twin sister, painted a grim picture of a predator operating within the very institution meant to protect children.
Initially, in 2023, a magistrate’s court acquitted Okumbe, citing insufficient evidence. However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) challenged the ruling, arguing that crucial evidence had been overlooked. The High Court agreed, ruling that the original trial had mishandled the case, leading to the conviction and subsequent sentencing.
The young victim displayed remarkable courage by testifying in court, detailing how Okumbe lured her into the staffroom under false pretenses and exposed her to explicit material. She initially hesitated to report the abuse, but eventually confided in a female teacher, which set the wheels of justice in motion. Another student later came forward with similar allegations, indicating that Okumbe’s misconduct had been ongoing for years.
The handling of the case by school authorities also came under scrutiny. The headteacher, who was informed of the allegations in 2020, had assured the victim’s father that action would be taken. However, by January 2021, Okumbe was still at the school, raising serious questions about negligence and possible cover-up attempts. Justice Ong’injo condemned the administration’s failure to act promptly, calling it a grave breach of duty.
With Okumbe now serving a 25-year sentence, there is hope that the affected students can begin to heal. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility educational institutions bear in safeguarding children. Moving forward, stricter oversight and swift action against misconduct should be non-negotiable.
For now, the students can look forward to an environment where education, not exploitation, takes center stage.
Advice to Male Teachers and Vulnerable Students
Male teachers hold a critical role in shaping young minds and must uphold the highest ethical standards. It is imperative that they establish professional boundaries, remain accountable for their actions, and actively contribute to a safe learning environment. Any inappropriate behavior, no matter how small, can erode trust and ruin lives. Schools must implement regular training and mentorship programs to ensure teachers understand their role in protecting children.
For vulnerable students, awareness is key. They should be educated on their rights and encouraged to speak up if they experience anything that makes them uncomfortable. Schools should foster an open-door policy where students can report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Parents and guardians also play a crucial role in ensuring children feel safe discussing their concerns at home.
Ultimately, the safety of students is a collective responsibility. By working together, educators, parents, and communities can ensure that schools remain places of learning and growth, free from exploitation and harm.
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