In a certain case, a mother who was accused of spanking her child several times using a wooden spoon featured in a mainstream media house and attracted polarized opinions from fellow parents and activists. In that case, the judge ruled that the mother was innocent of all charges and that the social welfare services had infringed and disregarded the parent’s legal responsibility in disciplining her child. What baffled most is that even though the daughter was scarred by that incident,the judge ruled that the parents were right in their capacity to act as so since the lady had been warned a couple of times and told the consequences should she choose to misbehave.

In Kenya, literally everyone,or almost everyone has gone through a form of corporal punishment in their childhood or still going through (for the older kids and teens) in schools or homes. The controversial case thus echoed already existing debate on the legalization of corporal punishment not just in USA where the incident took place but here in Kenya too. 

There has been numerous reports of parents who have lashed their children so bad to leave them with permanent marks. Stories are also told of parents who even burn the hands of their children when caught stealing. There’s one incident in western Kenya where the child was inflicted with burns to the hands because of “stealing” food. Yes. Food. 

Our schools have also been on the spotlight of late due to the alarming increase in arson attacks that have left many dormitories in flames leading to talks on whether corporal punishment should be made legal in Kenya. (Currently,it’s illegal. Yes, and you didn’t report when you was whacked😅,of course how would you!). Moreover, previous cases of corporal punishment in schools have led to sudden deaths, in some cases students suffer alot of pain in the hands of administrators and teachers. It is therefore a wonder why school officials and parents at large are considering the return of the cane in schools. 

In all these melee, One can’t help but wonder, how effective is corporal punishment? Has our society been any better with the battering in our homes? Does the society need corporal punishment to enforce laws and discipline our youths,teens and children? They say “Fimbo ya mbali haiuwi nyoka” so does Fimbo ya karibu mean we continue to carry out these direct punishments? Now that it’s illegal in Kenya,what does it mean for children, teens and older kids who suffer the cane? How does the law protect them and how is the law enforced in such cases.? Lastly, what’s the role of parents then? How can they instill discipline without the rod, knowing well “SPARE THE ROD, SPOIL THE CHILD”? 

I’m our upcoming posts, the millenial news blog will look into this issue. We will address the pros and cons of corporal punishment , effects of corporal punishment on mental and physical health, society, and domestic relationships. Likewise, we will explore other possible means of punishment and compare with corporal punishment in a bid to try and establish what’s best for the millenials and the generations ahead of us.

In all this, I remember the whack of my mother. It was done in love,and did not harm me. I also remember another child ,who’s mothers whack is a whack and a half. Knowing quite well the significance of this topic, We will try beat the hell out of this topic 😉

Dan_King’s 💪💪💪