Garissa teacher faces blasphemy charge for 'stepping on Koran’

ruby orimba

July 30, 2018 10:10 AM

It is alleged that the teacher committed blasphemy by stepping on a Koran during an English lesson

A primary school teacher was treated for injuries when enraged residents invaded Taqwa Academy in Masalani township in Ijara sub-county and tried to lynch him.

It is alleged that the teacher committed blasphemy by stepping on a Koran during an English lesson.

Police in Ijara, Garissa County, are preparing a blasphemy charge against the teacher who faces up to three years in prison if convicted.

Insult to religion

Although Kenya has no penal law specific to blasphemy, local police are invoking a rarely used section of the Penal Code to charge the teacher with the crime of insulting religion.

According to witnesses, the 30-year-old male teacher lost his front teeth in the attack and was bleeding profusely when the police rescued him.

A number of Imams from local mosques led a demonstration in the township demanding the teacher’s removal from the area.

Allahu Akbar

During the protest, hundreds of Masalani town residents marched to the police station chanting "Allahu Akbar!" (God is great) as they demanded action against the teacher.

Business came to a standstill as traders closed their shops and joined the protesters who included elders, women and youths carrying placards and copies of the holy book.

Led by local religious leaders, the protesters however said the incident was an isolated case and they would not allow religious intolerance, adding that individuals who caused disharmony should be dealt with.

ruby orimba