As a student and a young person concerned about violence among young people, I am deeply concerned by allegations that a female student was assaulted by another female student in a club washroom. Violence, intimidation, and humiliation have no place in our society whether on campus, online, or in social spaces frequented by young people. While the incident is reported to have happened outside university grounds, it raises important questions about how we relate to one another and the need to promote respect, dignity, and peaceful coexistence among students and young people.
Regardless of disagreements or personal differences, no student should resort to violence, intimidation, or harassment. Students should be able to learn, socialize, and participate in public life without fear of violence, humiliation, or retaliation. Whether interactions take place on campus, online, or in social settings, every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
The Constitution of Kenya protects every person’s dignity and provides protection against violence and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Constitution of Kenya protects the inherent dignity of every person and guarantees every person freedom and security, including protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 28 protects dignity, while Article 29 protects the freedom and security of the person, including protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. As young people, we have a responsibility to reject a culture where violence is normalised as a way of settling disagreements. Violence, intimidation and humiliation should never be accepted as legitimate ways of resolving disagreements.
I therefore call upon students across our universities to SAY NO TO BULLYING, SAY NO TO VIOLENCE, AND SPEAK UP AGAINST ABUSE. When we witness bullying or violence, we should not celebrate it, encourage it, or remain silent. This also means resisting online harassment, doxxing, public shaming, or the circulation of unverified allegations about those involved. We should support those affected, encourage safe reporting, and avoid celebrating, encouraging or sharing content that humiliates or targets individuals.
At the same time, allegations must be investigated fairly and impartially. The person accused is entitled to due process and should not be treated as guilty before the facts are established. Upholding the rights of survivors and complainants must go hand in hand with respecting the rights of those accused.
As young Kenyans, let us choose dialogue over violence, respect over humiliation, and solidarity over silence. Every person has the right to live free from violence, intimidation, and abuse, with their dignity and fundamental rights respected. Protecting these rights requires rejecting violence in all its forms while ensuring that every allegation is addressed fairly, impartially, and with respect for the rights of everyone involved.
Let us stand together against bullying and violence. Every student deserves to learn in an environment where their dignity, safety, and rights are respected.
Seth Joseph is a Student at Riara University and a Member of Amnesty International Kenya and writes in his personal capacity.