PS Bitok Orders Immediate Readmission of Student Expelled for Wearing Hijab

PS Bitok Orders Immediate Readmission of Student Expelled for Wearing Hijab

Siaya, Kenya – Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has ordered the immediate readmission of a Grade 10 student at St. Mary’s Lwak Girls High School in Siaya County, following reports that she was expelled for wearing a hijab.

Bitok issued the directive on Thursday, February 26, terming the school’s action discriminatory and unconstitutional. His intervention came after appearing before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education, where members raised concerns about the incident.

“There is an incident reported at St. Mary’s Lwak Girls in Siaya where a Muslim student who joined Grade 10 was refused permission to wear her hijab,” a committee member noted.

In response, Bitok emphasized that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that no student should be discriminated against based on faith.

“There should be no discrimination whatsoever on matters of religion and faith, and it is very clear. As we speak now, the girl was removed from school, but I will ensure that the girl gets to school immediately,” Bitok stated.

The Case of Samira Ramadhan

The student, identified as Samira Ramadhan, was reportedly expelled on February 20 after refusing to remove her hijab. According to her parents, she had been admitted to the school a month earlier but was later denied admission on grounds of religious attire.

Samira alleged that Muslim students at the institution were compelled to attend Catholic mass and were not allowed to observe their own prayers. Her family described the expulsion as a violation of her constitutional rights and an infringement on her freedom of worship.

Support from Other Leaders

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also weighed in on the matter, criticizing the school’s management and affirming the student’s right to wear a hijab.

“A Muslim girl can wear a hijab and go to school. The courts in our country have ruled against infringement,” Duale said, underscoring that religious freedom is protected under Kenyan law.

Wider Context

The incident comes at a time when President William Ruto has directed schools to admit all Grade 10 students regardless of uniforms or fees, as part of efforts to ensure universal access to education.

However, Samira’s case is not isolated. In 2025, two religious-sponsored schools were accused of sending students home for wearing hijabs, sparking national debate on the balance between institutional rules and constitutional freedoms.

Education stakeholders argue that such incidents highlight the need for clearer guidelines on religious expression in schools, particularly in institutions sponsored by faith-based organizations.

Government’s Position

The Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to protecting students’ rights and ensuring inclusivity in learning institutions. Bitok assured the committee that his office would monitor compliance and take action against schools that violate constitutional provisions.

“We must ensure that all learners, regardless of their faith, feel safe and respected in our schools. The Constitution is clear, and we will enforce it,” Bitok affirmed.

Conclusion

The directive to readmit Samira Ramadhan underscores the government’s stance on safeguarding religious freedoms within the education system. As schools prepare to accommodate Grade 10 students under new reforms, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and respect for diversity in Kenya’s classrooms.

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PS Bitok Orders Immediate Readmission of Student Expelled for Wearing Hijab