Parent sues Moi Girls School for suspending ‘daydreaming’ daughter

A parent has sued Moi Girls School, Nairobi, for suspending his daughter from school for allegedly daydreaming.

The parent said he was called on January 21, 2019 by the school Secretary to pick his daughter from the institution on the grounds that she was involved in an incident of indiscipline during lessons.

“That on arrival I met the principle secretary at the school compound in the company of a counselor who told me that the minor was dreaming in class and left the class in a hurry,’’ read the court papers.

He argued that, without any justification, the secretary and counselor insisted that he take the girl home and organize to take her to the Kenyatta National Hospital Youth Centre for counselling.

He further claimed that, upon inquiry, he learnt that the students were left unattended on the material day as the teachers were in a staff meeting during class hours.

“It was alleged that the minor was daydreaming when she woke up to shouting by fellow students causing her great distress, shock and confusion, compelling her to leave the classroom,” added the affidavit.

He further argued that the school Principal insisted that he takes the minor to Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute and a church for further counselling.

“On 9th I took the minor to Amani Counselling Centre and Training Institute and after the first session the counselor recommended that the counselling be stopped as the minor was fit to go back to school,” he added.

The parent stated that he complied with all the demands by the school; including subjecting the minor to several professional medical counselling sessions as well as spiritual counselling at CITAM church on Valley Road.

He added that the respondents have – without legal justification – denied the minor an opportunity to sit for her term one exams which were scheduled between March 18 and April 1.

The petitioner expressed concern that, unless the respondents are restrained from issuing “illegal suspension letters” and taking “illegal disciplinary action,” the minor may not be re-admitted on time for the second term.

The parent also claimed that he has been compelled to incur additional costs to hire a tutor while she is on indefinite suspension from the school despite having already paid all the requisite fees.

He now wants the court to lift the suspension imposed by the respondents and allow her to continue with her education at the school.