Has the government overreacted to the viral video of Ambira High School Students hurling insults at CS’s Fred Matiang’i and Amina Mohammed?
Well, a section of leaders think so. After Self Proclaimed General Miguna Miguna came to the defence of the students yesterday, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has also come out to defend the students.
According to Sifuna, the government has overreacted. Sifuna ointed out that there are limitations to the freedom of speech but hurling insults is certainly not one of them.
Sifuna argues that the students need professional guidance and counseling and not a jail sentence.
“Aarghh…this is an over reaction! The limitations upon freedom of speech are known bwana and “hurling insults” isnt one of them! There really isnt an equivalent to the release one feels upon finishing high school. What they need is guidance not jail!,” tweeted Sifuna.
Police in Siaya are already holding the three Form Four leavers from Ambira High School who were caught on camera bragging that they cheated in this year’s national examinations.
In the video, the students also daringly insulted two Cabinet Secretaries for their efforts in ensuring the credibility of the exams.
The clip was widely shared on social media and drew the attention of education stakeholders and police.
“Shule huisha….tumeiba…we don’t care….,” the students are heard shouting.
Some of the Form Four leavers who had done their last Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam on Wednesday were seen burning their books in what they called an “academic fire.”
Ambira High School Principal Thomas Odhiambo gave the police names of eight students who were positively identified in the recording.
They are Opiyo Brantley Owino (form 4B Adm. No. 8951 index no. 068), Hongo Steven (form 4Y Adm No. 8847 157), Barry Oduor Odhiambo (form 4W Adm no. 8923 index 241) and Odhiambo Ralph Lauren (form 4Y Adm no. 8851 index 124).
Others are Omondi Joshua Otieno (form 4Y adm no. 8678 index 117), Edwin Omondi (form 4B adm no. 8751 index 158), Clinton Oduor Onyango (form 4G adm no. 8716 index 244) and Lavin Jude Ombago (adm no. 8956).
Three are in police custody while five are still at large.
The school chaplain Alex Ogeda blamed the incident on a few students who had earlier been suspended over indiscipline cases before the exam began.
Do you think the government has overreacted on the issue?