Viral Video Exposes Bullying Of Students At Brookhurst International School

A video of two Brookhurst International School students engaged in an altercation before escalating into a physical fight has gone viral on the internet.

In the video seen by Kenya Insights, a relatively smaller student is confronted by a fellow student who’s bigger in size over unknown issue and it doesn’t take long before she pounces on her with heavy slaps and hair pulling. At the same time, the girl under siege was left helpless even as the perpetrator assaulted her, depicting a picture of the horror she had been subjected to. In another cut of the video, other students join the scene but appear scared of the bully to stop her so they helplessly watch.

The video which was also shared on X formerly Twitter by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai lasted barely 30 seconds leaving out a lot that could’ve happened.

The video elicited reactions on social media with a majority of those commented expressing their rage and calling out the school’s management over the possibility of bullying despite the reputation attached to schools of its stature.

“How old is Brookhurst International School? It’s wrong to label every school international. Some of them have only international bad manners,” Alai posted in a caption to the video.

An X user named Daniel Wanuna also commented on the video to express his disbelief at the kind of violence meted out to the student.

“What’s so significant to be heard that can warrant such beating? Why would one take their child to the so called “international school, only to end up being treated as a nobody? I went to a village school, and I can still write perfect grammar with the cadence that goes with it!” he said.

The video circulated on the social media platform with questions about the school’s stand on bullying also emerging.

Brookhurst School’s reaction to bullying video

In addressing the issue, the Principal of BrookHurst International School, Hellen Nduhiu, has issued an official statement in response to a viral video showing one student bullying another.

“I am writing to address a recent matter that has come to our attention regarding a video/photo that has been circulating within our school community,” Nduhiu said in her statement. “It is important that we acknowledge this issue directly and provide clarity on the steps we are taking to address it.”

“It is imperative that our school remains a safe and respectful environment for all,” Nduhiu continued. “While we understand that conflicts may arise between individuals in any school environment, nationally or globally, it is important to handle them with maturity, respect and empathy.”

The school is currently addressing the issue through its disciplinary process and assures the community that it takes the matter seriously and is working diligently to resolve it in a fair and appropriate manner.

BrookHurst International School said in the statement that they’re actively engaging with the parents of the students involved to ensure that they are informed and involved in the resolution process.

However, the school pointed accusing fingers at some “group of malicious online individuals”, noting that some people attempted to extort money using the videos and other photos. 

As per the Principal’s statement, the school has since instituted legal measures in order to bring the unnamed individuals to book.

“We have instituted the necessary legal measures in order to bring these individuals to the full glare of justice under the law,” the statement read in part.

“Kindly refrain from sharing content in regard to minors who are presently not your children or next of kin.”

Reactions to Brookhurst statement

The statement issued by the school didn’t go well with everyone with other claiming it was merely escapism, “The statement by school principal Hellen Nduhiu doesn’t seem to address the issue of bullying but blames “extortionists” for malicious intent.” said Francis Gaitho, an influential socio-political figure.

Jackie Arkle, another vocal advocate and who’s widely credited for the ‘leak’ of the video, further claimed that there could be more going on in the school, she sensationally alleged major assault among students, “I am wondering who wants to extort money when exposing bullying at a school. Very myopic of her and she’s just avoiding the issues at Brookhurst. Both campuses have very bad reputations..the one in Kiserian (Kajiado) a big boy forced a small boy to do the unthinkable.” she posted on her X leaving less to figure out what she was insinuating.

“The Principal of Brookhurst is diverting attention from the real to an imagined (unless they prove extortion) and hope to divert attention to extortion away from bullying. Public interest and the safety of all children in her care overrides the privacy she is seeking.” Chris Odero wrote.

Another user named Slayer accused the principal of downplaying the incident, “what do you mean physical altercation when one student is humiliating another and physically abusing her. The joke in that statement. How can a student make the life of another unbearable and you try weaving this into an extortion case? No accountability.”

It’s not clear what legal action the school has taken yet but we’re aware that one of the parents of the students involved in the altercation has engaged a lawyer to look into the matter.

Brookhurst International Schools reply to the bullying allegations.

Brookhurst International Schools is a multicultural day and boarding international school in Kenya. It offers British curriculum education from year 1 to A level and has branches in Kiserian and Lavington.