Senators criticise TSC over 'culture of silence' on sexual abuse in schools

The Senate has come down hard on the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), accusing both of failing to protect students from abuse despite numerous warning signs.

The criticism follows explosive allegations against Peter Ayiro, a senior teacher and long-serving Christian Union patron at Alliance Girls High School, who is accused of sexually exploiting students for years under the guise of mentorship and spiritual leadership.

Senators said the claims against Ayiro point to deeper institutional weaknesses that have allowed such misconduct to go unchecked.

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana said the country may be dealing with a much wider problem in its learning institutions, where the lines of professional conduct are either unclear or deliberately ignored.

“There may be widespread failures in enforcing ethical boundaries between teachers and students in our learning institutions,” she said.

Kibwana pointed a finger at the TSC, saying the body tasked with overseeing teacher discipline has not fulfilled its mandate.

“This points to a deeper, more entrenched systemic issue,” she added.

The Senate now wants the TSC’s internal systems overhauled to ensure that complaints of abuse are properly documented, reported and acted upon.

Kibwana said the Ministry of Education must also take responsibility for protecting students, especially in boarding schools, where learners are more vulnerable.

“The Ministry of Education must audit safeguarding mechanisms in public boarding schools, particularly girls’ schools, and establish mandatory codes of conduct governing teacher-student relationships,” she said.

Ayiro is said to have used his trusted position to groom and manipulate girls, some reportedly as young as 13, over a long period.

“Girls’ boarding schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning and character formation, yet this case reveals a pattern of grooming and predatory behaviour that appears to have been institutionally tolerated or overlooked,” Kibwana added.

Testimonies from former students and teachers describe how Ayiro allegedly used his role as a spiritual leader to build trust, isolate his victims, and maintain control through favours and selective attention. Survivors say the emotional impact has been long-lasting, with many left struggling with trauma, guilt and confusion.

“The exposé has brought to public attention disturbing accounts detailing a pattern of grooming and inappropriate conduct, enabled by unchecked influence, spiritual authority and a culture of silence,” Kibwana said.

Senators were especially concerned by claims that school leaders and other teachers raised complaints about Ayiro’s behaviour, but no disciplinary action was taken.

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• TSC
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• sgbv
• GBV
• defilement
• rape
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• Alliance Girls High School
• Alliance Girls
• Peter Ayiro
• Publuc schools
• Senators criticise TSC over 'culture of silence' on sexual abuse in schools
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“Despite multiple principals having served at the school over this period and despite consistent rumours and warnings, Ayiro retained his position and influence,” said Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei.

The Senate now wants education institutions to prioritise student safety over the reputations of individuals or schools.

“The Senate must lead by example in demanding transparency and a national safeguarding framework that puts the welfare of students above the reputation of institutions or individuals,” Cherargei said.

The legislators cautioned that Ayiro’s case may be just one of many, hidden behind fear, shame, and silence in other schools across the country.