A teacher in Garissa faces blasphemy charges for stepping on the Quran

A teacher from Ijara sub-county in Garissa faces blasphemy charges for stepping on the Quran. (Courtesy)

GARISSA—A teacher from Ijara sub-county in Garissa suffered injuries after angry residents tried to lynch him in what they termed as a blasphemous act on Wednesday last week.

It is alleged that the unnamed teacher from Taqwa Academy in Masalani township committed blasphemy by stepping on a Quran during an English lesson.

Police are invoking a rarely used section of the Penal Code to charge the teacher with the crime of insulting religion because there are no specific penal laws to blasphemy in Kenya.

It is not clear whether anyone has been charged or convicted under this law in independent Kenya. Twice in the past two decades, the State has drawn such charges against suspects but withdrawn before trial.

Speaking to journalist, Ijara OCPD Emanuel Rono said the teacher will be arraigned in court and charged according to Section 134 of the Penal Code.

“Any person who destroys, damages or defiles any place of worship or any object which is held sacred by any class of persons with the intention of thereby insulting the religion of any class of persons or with the knowledge that any class of persons is likely to consider such destruction, damage or defilement as an insult to their religion, is guilty of a misdemeanor.” noted Mr Rono.

According to witnesses, the 30-year-old male teacher lost his front teeth in the attack and was bleeding profusely when the police rescued him. Mr Rono also confirmed that the teacher was treated for the injuries.

A number of Imams from local mosques led a demonstration in the township demanding the teacher’s removal from the area.

The protest attracted hundreds of residents including traders who closed their businesses and marched to the police station  in solidarity while chanting “Allahu Akbar!” (God is great).

“We are really pained by this incident. We are however peace-loving citizens who won’t allow anyone to interfere with religious tolerance,” said Mohamed Osman Roble, a religious leader.

Police are investigating how the non-Muslim teacher came in touch with a Quran during a Standard Four English lesson.