Parents Demand Justice Over Alleged Invasive Searches at St. George’s Girls Secondary School

A section of parents at St. George’s Girls Secondary School in Nairobi is demanding accountability after alleging that their daughters were subjected to invasive body searches during a security operation conducted at the school earlier this month. The incident, which reportedly occurred as schools heightened security measures following the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy, has sparked outrage and prompted a police investigation.

According to the parents, the searches were carried out on June 5, 2026, after the school management decided to close the institution amid unrest reported in neighboring schools. Several students later narrated disturbing experiences to their parents, alleging they were subjected to intrusive physical examinations while being screened for drugs before leaving the school.

Some parents claim their daughters told them that female police officers conducted searches involving intimate body examinations without gloves, consent, or adherence to established procedures. One parent alleged that her daughter reported being touched in her private parts during the exercise, an experience the family says has left the student deeply traumatized. Parents further claim the girls were informed that their guardians had authorized the searches, an assertion they strongly deny.

NTV established that police officers were present at the school during the operation, including officers in regular police uniform and personnel attached to a specialized canine unit. Kileleshwa Sub-County Police Commander Patricia Yegon confirmed that the officer accused of conducting the searches is a police officer and stated that the matter has been formally reported and is currently under investigation.

In a message circulated to parents, Chief Principal Asumpta Mwangui apologized for the distress caused by the operation. She explained that the decision to authorize enhanced security measures was informed by concerns arising from the Utumishi Girls Academy fire tragedy, saying her primary responsibility was to ensure no security risks were overlooked. While expressing regret to parents and students who felt distressed by the process, she maintained that the measures were intended to safeguard learners.

Despite the apology, parents insist that the incident went far beyond legitimate security screening. While acknowledging the importance of drug searches in schools, they argue that any security operation must respect children’s rights, dignity, and established legal procedures. They say the methods allegedly used amounted to a violation of the students’ bodily integrity and have called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Some parents also questioned the school’s handling of discipline, alleging that certain students have repeatedly been singled out during security operations without evidence of wrongdoing. They have urged authorities to ensure that future searches are conducted professionally, lawfully, and in line with child protection standards.

The controversy adds to a series of disciplinary challenges that have surrounded St. George’s Girls Secondary School in recent years. In September 2025, the school temporarily closed after students staged protests following allegations that a teacher had physically assaulted a learner, triggering unrest that spilled onto nearby streets.

As investigations continue, parents are calling for transparency and justice, insisting that security concerns in schools should never come at the expense of students’ rights, dignity, and well-being.