NPA SOUNDS ALARM: ‘STOP FORCING RELIGION ON LEARNERS!’ — SCHOOL HEADS PUT ON NOTICE
Parents’ Association Chairman Silas David Obuhatsa Warns Principals Against Religious Coercion, Calls for Disciplinary Action Against Those Found Responsible
By Jeff Kizzilah | Digital Editor
MOMBASA, KENYA — The National Parents Association (NPA) has issued a stern warning to school principals and managers accused of forcing learners, teachers, parents and other members of school communities to subscribe to religious beliefs against their will.
In a strongly worded statement, NPA National Chairman Mr Silas David Obuhatsa said public schools must remain inclusive learning environments where every learner is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their religious background or beliefs.
Speaking from Mombasa, Obuhatsa cautioned school administrators against using their positions of authority to compel learners or staff to participate in religious activities or adopt particular beliefs.
He stressed that access to education in public schools must not be conditional on accepting or practising a particular religion.
NPA DEMANDS ACTION AGAINST OFFENDERS
The association said it had received reports that some school principals and managers were allegedly turning public schools into places of religious worship while disregarding the rights and freedoms of members of their school communities.
Obuhatsa called on school administrators to comply with government directives issued through the Ministry of Education on religious freedom and respect for individual beliefs.
He further urged the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), to investigate reported cases of religious coercion and take appropriate disciplinary action where allegations are substantiated.
‘NO LEARNER SHOULD BE INTIMIDATED’
The NPA chairman warned that forcing learners to profess or practise a particular faith, especially without the consent of their parents or guardians, could fuel fear, tension, division and mistrust within schools.
According to the association, such practices risk damaging relationships between learners, parents, teachers and school administrators while distracting institutions from their core responsibility of delivering quality education.
The NPA maintained that no learner should be intimidated, discriminated against, punished or made to feel unwelcome because of their religious beliefs or those of their family.
PARENTS URGED TO REPORT RELIGIOUS COERCION
The association has called on principals, headteachers and school managers to uphold professional ethics, respect government directives and ensure public schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for learning.
Parents and guardians who encounter alleged cases of religious coercion have also been encouraged to report them to the relevant education authorities for investigation and appropriate action.
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting learners’ rights, dignity and welfare, insisting that every child should have access to public education without religious intimidation or discrimination.
By Jeff Kizzilah | Digital Editor
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