NAIROBI, Kenya — Happyland Preparatory School in Buruburu has issued a detailed statement seeking to counter what it describes as misinformation following allegations that a teacher defiled a Grade 9 learner.
In the statement released by the school’s management, the institution, which says it has operated for more than three decades, firmly rejected accusations of a cover-up, insisting it acted swiftly and responsibly once the incident was brought to its attention.
“Happyland Preparatory School wishes to address an incident involving one of our learners and to clarify certain misinformation currently circulating in the public domain,” the statement said.
“The School has been operational for the past 32 years and has consistently upheld the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of its learners. Allegations suggesting otherwise are false.”
According to the school, the staff member at the centre of the allegations was a recent hire, having joined the institution on January 12, 2026, and had been at the school for less than three weeks when the incident allegedly occurred.
“The individual implicated in this matter was employed at the school on 12th January, 2026 and had been at the school for less than three weeks at the time of the incident. The school is deeply hurt and disturbed by the alleged actions involving our learner,” the statement read.
The incident is reported to have taken place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. School administrators said they moved immediately after learning of the allegations.
“The incident occurred on Sunday, 25th January 2026. Upon becoming aware of the matter, the school acted immediately and responsibly. The culprit was taken to the police station without delay while the victim was rushed to a medical facility for the necessary examination and care,” the statement said.
Management added that the case is now before the courts and is being handled through the appropriate legal channels.
“The matter is currently being handled through the appropriate legal channels and is before the court. Contrary to claims being spread on various platforms, the school has fully cooperated with relevant authorities and remains in communication with, and supportive of, the affected learner and the family.”
The school reiterated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse and remains committed to child protection, lawful investigations and safeguarding the dignity of learners.
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“We respectfully request the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information and to allow the legal process to proceed while protecting the privacy and rights of the learner involved,” the statement added.
The case has drawn renewed attention to child protection standards in Kenyan schools, with education authorities and child rights organisations repeatedly urging institutions to strengthen safeguarding frameworks, vet staff thoroughly and report suspected abuse without delay.
Under Kenyan law, defilement is a serious criminal offence carrying severe penalties, particularly where minors are involved.
Education stakeholders have also cautioned against speculative reporting in such cases, noting the need to protect survivors from further trauma while investigations and court proceedings are ongoing.
