MPs Go After Lwak Girls School, Order Reinstatement Of Hijab Student
A House committee has asked the Education Ministry to ensure the prompt return to school of a Grade 10 student from St Mary’s Lwak Girls in Siaya county, who was reportedly expelled for wearing a headscarf.
The issue was highlighted during a heated meeting of the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday, 26.
A student at St. Mary's Elwak Girls is on the verge of leaving the school after the administration denied her the opportunity to wear a hijab. This raises questions about religious tolerance in our institutions! pic.twitter.com/bNAoFYVVOW
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) February 21, 2026
This comes after Garissa Woman Representative Amina Siyad, who also serves as the PAC vice chairwoman, raised concerns about religious prejudice against the Muslim learner.
“There is an incident reported at St Mary’s Lwak Girls in Siaya where a Muslim student who joined Grade 10 was refused permission to wear her hijab,” Siyad told the committee.
“Despite being assured at the time of admission that she could wear it, she is now unable to continue with her studies.”
Adding, “Efforts by her father to seek clarification from the school management have not been fruitful.”
The worries spurred a constitutional debate among members, with Teso South MP Mary Emase citing Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination.
“Article 27 is very clear. Every person is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law,” Emase said.
“The State shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against any person on any ground, including religion. No person, not even a child, should be discriminated against because of their religion.”
However, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo urged caution, stating that while the legislation was clear, the committee needed to uncover the facts surrounding the occurrence.
“The issue raised by the vice chair is serious. The law is clear; that is not in question. What is in question are the facts,” Amollo said.
“It is reasonable to allow the principal secretary time to investigate and provide a factual report. However, given the urgency of the matter, the girl cannot remain at home as we wait.”
Adding, “Let us fast-track the establishment of facts and receive an urgent response on the measures taken. But the child must return to school.”
Health CS @HonAdenDuale has strongly condemned the move by St. Mary's Lwak Girls High School to deny student Samira Mohamed the right to wear her hijab while in school.
— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) February 26, 2026
Duale termed the decision discriminatory and a violation of constitutional protections on freedom of worship… pic.twitter.com/jjuG9fwpmR
Butere MP Tindi Mwale, who chairs the committee, has taken a tough stance, demanding that Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok clarify the student’s status.
“The constitution is very clear. You do not discriminate according to religion,” Mwale said.
“What does the law say? Should we discriminate against hijab-wearing Muslim students? There is no need for that girl to be sent away.”
When asked directly if the student was attending school, Bitok confirmed she was not.
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“The girl was removed from the school,” he told the committee. “I will ensure the girl gets back to school as soon as possible, immediately, even as soon as today.”
Mwale asked why action hadn’t been taken sooner.
“You are seeking more time while the girl stays at home. That is not fair,” he said.
“You need to defend the Constitution. It is clear on freedom of worship. The girl is supposed to be allowed to go to that school.”
Bitok stated that preliminary reports from the sub-county education office and the school provided conflicting information, needing more study.
MPs Go After Lwak Girls School, Order Reinstatement Of Hijab Student
