A Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidate from Chesamisi Boys High School in Bungoma County has declined to sit for his final exams at the institution following a violent incident involving his father and the school’s principal.
The student, identified as Jonah Makani, alias JMM, said he could not bring himself to return to the school where his father was assaulted on September 19, 2025. Speaking to K24 Digital, JMM revealed that he skipped the KCSE rehearsals held this week, saying the environment was too traumatic.
“My plea to KNEC is not to compromise my peace, safety, and security. Please relocate me from the Chesamisi exam centre. It reminds me of the September 19 attack,” he said.
JMM’s father, Josephat Makani, claimed that he was physically attacked by the principal, Protues Ndombi, after being summoned to the school over a disciplinary issue involving his son. Ndombi, who has been at the school for less than three months, is currently under police investigation over the incident.
Mr. Makani stated that he has since contacted the Kimilili sub-county director of education, requesting that his son’s exam centre be changed for safety reasons. He added that he was advised to seek an official request from the DCI to the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
While the principal has remained silent on the matter, Parents Association chairman Ben Keverenge insisted that the school is guaranteeing the boy’s safety, urging the family to allow him to sit the exams as planned.
The Kimilili sub-county director of education, David Wasike, confirmed that the matter has been forwarded to KNEC, which will make the final decision before October 28, 2025.
Over one million candidates nationwide are expected to begin their KCSE exams on November 3, 2025.
