Anestine Dzidza Tunje, a 15-year-old Grade 8 pupil at Gongoni Primary School in Kilifi South, tragically died days after she was reportedly caned by a teacher at the school on September 19. The teacher, identified as Mr. Ian Tembo Mwavuna, has since been arrested in connection with the incident, with police investigations currently underway.

The cause of Anestine's death was determined to be a brain haemorrhage, according to a postmortem report conducted at the Kilifi Referral Hospital. The report indicated that she sustained a head injury caused by blunt force trauma, leading to bleeding into the brain and cerebral oedema. Specifically, it noted features of a minimal left parietal haemorrhage of approximately 50 ml, consistent with assault. A CT scan performed on September 22 further confirmed bleeding within the brain tissues, showing a small left parietal subcortical parenchymal haemorrhage with minimal perilesional oedema.

Anestine's father, Alex Tunje, recounted that his daughter returned home on the day of the alleged caning complaining of a severe headache. She initially declined to go to the hospital, citing preparations for upcoming exams, and requested money for painkillers, which her father provided. However, her condition deteriorated significantly on Friday, forcing Mr. Tunje to take her to a nearby hospital. Initial tests for malaria and other common illnesses came back negative, and she was given painkillers for temporary relief.

By Sunday morning, September 21, Anestine's situation became critical; she woke up unable to speak. A chest and head CT scan at the hospital on September 22 revealed severe head injuries and internal bleeding, prompting the introduction of immediate specialized treatment. She was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) on Thursday, September 25, where she sadly succumbed to her injuries that evening. Mr. Tunje stated that Anestine had not disclosed being caned at school; it was her classmates who revealed the information after her death.

The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Caroline Mbeyu, Anestine's grandmother and a teacher in Kilifi, urged her fellow educators to exercise caution when dealing with students, stating, "As a teacher, if you have frustrations, do not go to class. It's better you stay in the office. We want the government to take action to curb any similar cases that might happen in the future to protect our children in school." Walid Skeety, a human rights activist from Vocal Africa, condemned the action as a human rights violation and called for the immediate arrest of the teacher responsible.

Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya confirmed that a report on the case has been filed with the police. He assured the public that "We received the allegations of the pupil's assault, and we are in the process of doing investigations, and the right procedures will be taken in due time." The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned the accused teacher, Mr. Ian Tembo Mwavuna, who reported and was booked into police cells, awaiting custodial orders at Mtwapa Police Station pending the conclusion of the investigation.