A school in Maragua Constituency, Murang’a County sparked outraged after sending seven Form Two students home for covering their heads with hijab.
Parents described the action by Thaara Secondary School as religious discrimination, according to Nation.
The parents revealed that the trouble started after the Idd-ul-Fitr holidays when a Form One student sought permission to pray. It was then that a teacher allegedly told the student and the seven others to bring their parents to school the following day.
One of the parents identified as Fatuma Ibrahim stated they went to the school and were informed or the ultimatum to have their students wear hijabs without covering their ears or transfer them to other schools.
The parents objected to the idea, a move that saw the seven students sent home the following day.
“When the students were admitted to the school, they had hijabs covering their heads as Islam dictates. We find it unfair and religious discrimination when they are given conditions which are not given to other students who are members of the Akorino sect and others,” Fatuma complained.
Another parent, Ramadhan Waweru disclosed that the school’s management claimed that the hijab must be worn in a manner that exposes the student’s ears to prevent them from hiding bhang and other drugs in their heads. He said this was an insult to the Muslim community.
“How could they accuse the students of hiding bhang in the hijabs while there has never been such a case with our students and then, how come they don’t think other students from other denominations can hide the drugs in their heads since they also have head gears,” Ramadhan posed.
The parents said the issue has demotivated their children and caused them untold suffering.
Said Juma, an Imam, termed the incident as unfortunate.
“We must be respected and our religion respected the way we do to other religions. Claiming that the students can hide drugs and exam materials (in their hijabs) is just an excuse for discrimination,” Juma defended.
When contacted, Murang’a County Director of Education Ann Kiiru told Nation that she took the matter under consideration.
“I personally went to the school and advised the board to call the parents back and hold dialogue with a view of solving the matter. It is important to note that while the Muslim students have a right to their religion, they can’t go wearing all colours of hijabs and of different sizes,” Kiiru responded.
