Human rights defenders want the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to take action against a group of teachers who showcased an unusual dance style before students at Agoro Sare High School in Homa Bay County.
A video of the teachers dancing during the school’s cultural day this week has raised concerns about the level of morality at Agoro Sare High School.
In the video, a secular song composed by a Luo musician is playing. A group of six teachers is seen dancing on a raised podium in three pairs, each comprising a man and a woman. Two pairs of teachers are seen gyrating their waists towards each other in a suggestive manner, implying sexual attraction.
At the climax of the song, two pairs of teachers could be seen dancing inappropriately in front of students who had surrounded the podium. Some students were watching the teachers while others joined in the dancing.
Residents expressed shock that the teachers showcased dance moves more suitable for nightclubs.
The Speaker of Homa Bay County Bunge la Wenye Nchi, Walter Opiyo, and the Chairman of the Interface Community Help Desk, Evance Oloo, called on the TSC to summon the teachers for disciplinary action.
They criticised the teachers for violating the moral expectations within a school environment.
Opiyo argued that the dance style should only be performed in forums meant for adults.
“Teachers are given the responsibility of inculcating good morals in students. As parents, we trust them with moulding our children’s moral behaviour. But what those teachers did is contrary to their moral duties,” Opiyo said.
He urged the TSC to summon the teachers and take disciplinary action against them.
“Teachers are good people, but what these ones have done promotes moral decadence in schools. What they have done could just be the tip of the iceberg. Let the TSC move with speed and take action against the few teachers who violate moral principles,” he added.
Opiyo further said the Agoro Sare High School Principal should also be summoned for allowing the activity to take place.
“Even the Principal of the school should be summoned to explain his role in what happened,” he said.
Oloo said the dance style was highly likely to corrupt the minds of students.
“It is not wrong for a teacher to dance during such a ceremony, but they should do so respectfully. Looking at the video keenly, I could see some students were also imitating what their teachers were doing. This spoils learners,” said Oloo.
He added that the teachers should have showcased that dance style in a club rather than at school.
“They did the right thing at the wrong place. Let TSC intervene and rescue children from teachers who are spoiling them,” he said.
However, the Coordinator of the Homa Bay County Education Network, Julius Omuga, defended the teachers.
Omuga said there is no law stipulating what dance styles teachers should use in schools.
“Teachers are not barred from dancing in schools, and there is no law governing how they should dance. The teachers have not flouted any law,” he said.
The TSC County Director, Milton Oyugi, did not clarify whether action had been taken against the teachers. He did not respond to our calls or text messages seeking comment.
