There was drama at Machakos University on Wednesday after a female lecturer allegedly resorted to using a cane on students she claimed were being unruly during her class. The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, sparked heated debate over discipline, respect, and boundaries in higher education.
Witnesses say the lecturer, known for her strict teaching style, lost her patience after several students arrived late, engaged in side conversations, and ignored repeated warnings to settle down. “She just stood up, went to her desk drawer, pulled out a cane, and started walking towards the back row,” one shocked student recounted. “At first, we thought she was joking—until the first whip landed.”
Videos circulating online show some students scattering while others stayed frozen in disbelief as the lecturer dished out lashes. The clip quickly drew mixed reactions, with some praising her “old-school discipline” while others condemned the act as unprofessional and abusive.
“This is not primary school. You don’t assault university students, no matter what,” one student tweeted, tagging the Ministry of Education. Another commenter wrote, “We need more lecturers like her—these comrades have forgotten what respect means.”
The university’s administration has since launched an internal investigation. In a brief statement, Machakos University noted that “the institution upholds student rights and professional conduct from staff” and promised to take appropriate action once facts are established.
By Nairobi