An Emotional Outcry: The Alarming Reality of Prefect-Induced Violence on Student Well-Being

This morning, I awoke to the heartbreaking news that a student in a boys' high school had been brutally beaten by prefects for allegedly stealing some amount of money from another student.

As a wellness advocate, this incident deeply affected me, stirring a mix of sorrow and anger. It’s not just another story of school discipline gone wrong—this is a reflection of a systemic failure in our schools, where violence and unchecked authority are harming the very children we are meant to protect.

Today, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on this.

First and foremost, we must confront the reality that school management has failed our students by granting power to prefects—students themselves—to enforce discipline.

This is particularly prevalent in public boys high schools across Kenya, where prefects, who are meant to lead by example, have been given unchecked authority over their peers. It does not matter if a student makes a mistake—it is not the role of fellow students, especially prefects, to administer disciplinary measures.

These prefects are not trained in conflict resolution or behavior management, yet they wield authority that encourages entitlement and, in the worst cases, violence. This structure breeds a culture of fear and aggression, where prefects often feel superior, and vulnerable students are left powerless. In this case, the student suffered the consequences of this imbalance in authority, beaten by peers who had no right to assume such roles.

This approach not only promotes violence but creates a dangerous hierarchy within the school that shatters the foundation of respect and equality. Worse still, these behaviors, if left unchecked, follow these young people into adulthood, infiltrating workplaces with toxic attitudes and bullying. When students learn to solve issues through violence, they carry this mindset into the world, continuing cycles of harm in their communities and professional lives.

The Long Road to Recovery: The Lingering Impact of Trauma

For the student who endured this brutal beating, the physical injuries may heal, but the emotional and psychological scars will remain. How can we expect him to return to school and feel safe in the very environment where he was violated? Upon his return, he will likely experience overwhelming fear and anxiety—constantly reminded of the trauma, seeing the same faces, and reliving the incident with every step through the school gates.

This child will need extensive emotional and psychological support to attempt to return to any sense of normalcy, if that’s even possible. Counseling and therapy will be essential, but the trauma will not simply vanish. He will carry feelings of shame, fear, and distrust, and the loss of his sense of security may take years—if ever—to rebuild.

We must recognize that this student’s mental health has been compromised. He may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and social withdrawal. He could struggle academically as he battles the mental weight of his trauma, and his overall well-being is likely to suffer. The psychological toll will follow him long after his physical wounds have healed.

The Impact on Mental Health

The broader implications of such violence on students’ mental health are devastating. High school students are still children—most of them under 18 years old, emotionally vulnerable, and still developing. These are formative years, and experiences like this can have long-lasting effects on their emotional and mental well-being.

The trauma of being beaten by peers, especially with the tacit approval of school management, can result in lifelong mental health issues. No child should have to endure such brutality, and it is our responsibility to ensure that schools provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students, free from fear and intimidation.

A Call for Collective Action

It is time for us, as a community—parents, educators, and school administrators—to stand together and demand change. These school students are our children, and we cannot allow this cycle of violence to continue. Parents, I urge you to advocate for your children’s rights and well-being. Engage with school management, ask tough questions, and demand the implementation of policies that prioritize student welfare. Encourage open discussions about mental health and empower your children to speak up when they experience or witness violence.

Teachers, you have a critical role to play in shaping a positive school culture. Challenge the status quo, speak out against violence, and advocate for equal treatment of all students. By fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, you can help break the cycle of bullying and aggression.

To school management, the message is clear: You must act decisively to dismantle the culture of violence that has taken root in our schools. This means reevaluating the authority given to prefects and establishing strict guidelines that ensure their role does not foster entitlement or aggression. It is imperative to provide training on conflict resolution and empathy to all student leaders, equipping them with the skills necessary to support their peers rather than instill fear.

A Vision for Change

As we reflect on this deeply disturbing incident, let us not be merely spectators to a crisis. Instead, let us rise as advocates for a safe and nurturing educational environment. Together, we can foster a culture where respect, equality, and mental well-being take precedence over violence and intimidation.

Our children deserve better. They deserve schools that empower them to thrive, where their voices are heard, and their mental health is prioritized. Let this tragic event be a turning point—a rallying cry for all of us to come together, take action, and create lasting change in our schools.

As a wellness advocate, I know this is possible. But we must act now.