Three Form Four candidates at Kitale Girls School were barred from attending classes on 13 June 2026, weeks before the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations scheduled for 19 October to 20 November 2026.

The exclusion followed an alleged incident on the night of 13 June, when the deputy principal reportedly searched students and dormitories after claims that the pupils had threatened to set the school on fire.

Parent Eileen Chelagat said 13 Form Four learners were taken to a police station in the dark, with one girl handcuffed and held for two days without the family’s knowledge.

Other parents, including Linda Shiroya and Irene Kerubo, alleged that the pupils faced profiling, discrimination and physical harm linked to their economic background and, in one case, a medical condition.

A constitutional petition filed by Viena Advocates LLP on 24 September 2026 named the school’s board, senior principal, the Teachers Service Commission, KNEC, the Attorney General and eight other respondents.

Advocate Ernest Nyerere argued that the petition cited breaches of Articles 27, 28, 43, 47 and 53 of the Constitution, covering equality, human dignity, the right to education, fair administrative action and children’s rights.

The High Court ordered the school to allow the three girls to access its facilities, giving parents the option to re‑enrol the pupils fully or permit limited access for exam preparation, provided separate accommodation is arranged.

Parents indicated they would keep the girls at home for exam preparation.

A state counsel representing the sued government bodies said she would attend the next court mention and monitor interim proceedings.