Father Moves to Court After Daughter Suspended for Hugging at Karoti Girls High School
A parent has taken legal action against Karoti Girls High School and its principal, Purity Riungu, after his daughter was suspended under controversial circumstances related to hugging another student, leading to girls being suspended.
The Milimani High Court on Thursday, September 18, 2025, referred the case to the Kerugoya Law Courts for mention on September 24. Justice Chacha Mwita directed the transfer after the parent, identified in court documents only as PM to protect the student’s identity, filed a petition at the Milimani Constitutional and Human Rights Division.
PM argues that his daughter’s suspension was unlawful and violated her constitutional rights. He claims the disciplinary action arose from accusations of a same-sex relationship between his daughter and another student, allegations he describes as discriminatory and humiliating, involving girls accused of hugging.
According to his affidavit, the ordeal began on March 25, 2025, when the girl was summoned by teachers and shown CCTV footage allegedly capturing her hugging a fellow student. PM alleges that his daughter was beaten, intimidated, and forced to write a false confession under duress, admitting to being a lesbian.
“The minor was compelled to write a self-incriminating statement, a confession she did not believe to be true, under fear of further violence,” the petition reads.
The father further alleges that teachers, including the deputy principal, stigmatized his daughter by making derogatory remarks in front of other students. He contends that such treatment amounted to persecution and a violation of her dignity, stemming from suspicions about hugging at Karoti Girls.
PM is now asking the court to compel the school to readmit his daughter unconditionally, under the supervision of the Ministry of Education, the County Children’s Officer, and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). He also seeks an order restraining the school from taking any further disciplinary measures against her until the case is heard and determined.
In addition, the petitioner wants Principal Purity Riungu summoned to explain why she allegedly disobeyed earlier court directives issued on August 11, 2025. He has asked the court to consider citing her for contempt and even issuing a warrant of arrest if she fails to comply.
The student has been out of school since July 14, 2025, when she was suspended on claims of indiscipline, specifically for hugging another student at Karoti Girls. PM insists his daughter’s education has been unfairly disrupted and warns that without judicial intervention, she will continue to suffer “irreparable harm, humiliation, and trauma.”
The matter will now be heard at the Kerugoya High Court next week.
In Other News: Githurai MCA Deonysias Mwangi Resigns Amid Row With Governor Sakaja
Father Moves to Court After Daughter Suspended for Hugging at Karoti Girls High School