Seven students of Thaara Secondary School in Murang'a County have been sent away by the school's administration for covering their heads with hijabs.
According to Fatuma Ibrahim, one of the affected parents, the issue which started during the Eid Ul Fitr celebrations recently culminated in the suspension.
On Friday, she said that the group has since been sent home and told to bring their parents, or else take transfers to other schools.
The parents are accusing the Catholic-sponsored school of discrimination, and have called upon the county Ministry of Education to address the issue.
“When the students were admitted to the school, they had hijabs covering their heads as Islam dictates. We find it unfair and religious discrimination when they are given conditions which are not given to other students who are members of the Akorino sect and others,” she said.
Ramadhan Waweru, another parent, questioned the school's argument that the move is aimed at preventing smuggling of bhang into the school since no case has been reported.
“How could they accuse the students of hiding bhang in the hijabs while there has never been such a case with our students and then, how come they don’t think other students from other denominations can hide the drugs in their heads since they also have head gears,” he said.
County Director of Education Ann Kiiru admitted having knowledge about the standoff.
She said that as much as the students have a right to practice their religion, there is a need for deliberation between the parents and the school's administration.
She noted that it is only then that the two groups can reach a consensus for the benefit of the students.