Outrage after Makueni student barred from school over chewing gum suspension

The form four student, who had been out of school since the suspension, was reportedly found with chewing gum in her bag during a routine search as she was returning from the midterm break of the second term.

Her mother, Virginia Mawewu, said the gum was accidentally left in the bag and that her daughter admitted to the oversight immediately.

According to Mawewu, administrators at St. Albertina-Kiongwani are demanding restitution in the form of chewing gum, enough for all 580 students, for the girl to be allowed back to school.

The cost of the gums for the school’s total population would be an estimated Ksh16,800.

“She has already missed two major exam sessions, including the end-of-term two and third-term opener exams,” Mawewu told NTV. “They are insisting we bring the gum before she can be allowed back.”

The school’s principal, Jacqueline Kealo, declined to comment on the matter when approached.

Makueni County Education Director Rashid Ali, on his part, confirmed that his office had received a formal complaint and was investigating the matter.

With the national exams just weeks away, time is running out for the student to catch up and revise.

The incident has drawn public outrage, with critics calling the school’s punishment excessive and potentially damaging to the student’s academic future.

Paul Kart, a concerned citizen, criticized the school’s decision and called for higher-level intervention.

“The parent should go to the Ministry of Education. If she doesn’t get help there, she should go to court. There’s nothing like such rules in the education sector,” he said.

On his part, X user Laingo Nkanga wrote, "How did they arrive at Sh.16,800? School punishments should be realistic and within the law. Furthermore, studies have shown chewing gum can increase brain activity by boosting blood flow and neural activity in regions of the brain responsible for attention, memory, & alertness."

Yet another Kenyan said, "Which law give school heads power to be prosecutors and judges? This is a clear case of a child denied a right to education. Can this be a lesson to others?"

However, others supported the school’s stance on discipline.

“If chewing gum is prohibited in that school, then let the student carry his or her cross,” said Levi Mwanawassa.

On X, @MarkMbiti1 condemned the school’s action as outdated. “This retrogressive thinking is still present in schools,” he posted, drawing support from several users.

Wagura Waweru offered a sarcastic take saying “She should have been chewing books, not gum!”