Mwala: With the recent spate of student unrest in Machakos County, Mwala Deputy County Commissioner David Tegutwa has called on parents to cooperate with the police while their children are being investigated for involvement in school unrest and indiscipline.
According to Kenya News Agency, Tegutwa highlighted issues in Mwala sub-county where some parents interfere with disciplinary cases, shielding their children and transferring them to other schools, which he warned could lead to irresponsible adults and future criminals. The schools affected by unrest in the third term include Masii Boys, Kabaa High School, and Makutano Boys.
During a departmental meeting in his boardroom in Mwala, Tegutwa urged cooperation among Heads of Department and other stakeholders to address these issues. He also called on teachers to remain vigilant for behavioral changes in students. Tegutwa noted challenges with some head teachers who are reluctant to discuss drug issues in schools due to fear of criticism, emphasizing the need for timely intervention on this societal problem.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between parents, teachers, education stakeholders, religious leaders, and the NGAO team to guide students in their academic and personal development and help them navigate peer pressure and mental health challenges. Tegutwa commended the reduction in school fires and strikes, attributing this to the proactive efforts of the NGAO security team and chiefs in monitoring schools.
Mwala Curriculum Support and TSC officer Henry Katei underscored the significance of guiding and counseling students to encourage school attendance and equip them with strategies to handle challenges. He also called for tighter security in schools to prevent unauthorized individuals from influencing students in drug-related and criminal activities.
Mwala OCPD Fredrick Suter expressed concern over rising defilement cases and urged parents to monitor behavioral changes in children during the long holiday, report any abuse immediately, and provide necessary support.
Other schools in Machakos County experiencing unrest in the third term include Machakos Boys, Muthetheni Girls, Machakos Girls, Mumbuni Girls, Katangi Boys, Mutituni Girls, and Kaluini Girls.