Kenyan high school teacher responds after former student narrates online what she did to her

• Joy Juma took to TikTok to share how her Form 3 class teacher accused her of cheating after she ranked third in exams
• The teacher reached out directly to Joy after seeing the TikTok video, saying the post had deeply hurt her
• The teacher's message raised debate about whether social media is the right platform to address old classroom grievances

A Kenyan high school teacher has sent a personal message to a former student who publicly accused her of crushing her academic confidence, after the young woman's TikTok video went viral.

Joy Juma shared her story on the platform, describing how a teacher's reaction to one of her proudest academic moments left a lasting mark on her motivation to study.

How One Comment Changed Everything for Joy

Joy explained that she had transferred to a new school following a health issue, and her grades were unsteady during the initial adjustment period.

By Form 3, she had found her footing and climbed back to where she had always been, finishing among the top three students in her class.

Rather than receiving encouragement, however, Joy says her class teacher questioned how she had managed it, going as far as suggesting she may have cheated on her exams.

"Tell me why I scored good grades and get back to the top where I was even in my previous school, I become number three and my class teacher saw it and asked how I got there even asking if I cheated on the exams. I lost interest I studeis after that, shame on you," Joy said in her video.

The allegation, she noted, robbed her of the confidence she had worked hard to rebuild, and she never fully recovered her drive to study after that exchange.

Joy's teacher responds after TikTok video

After coming across the video, the teacher reached out to Joy directly. In her message, she acknowledged that Joy's words stung, while also defending her record as an educator who tried to act with good intentions throughout her career.

"Hi, have come across what you posted on tiktok, I must admit that your words deeply hurt me. As your class teacher, I tried my best to guide, correct and support you with good intentions. It is unfortunate that you feel I ruined your life. In as much as I respect your feelings, respect me too. I am sorry if my words hurt you then. Am a human being and can make mistakes too," the teacher wrote.

She added that had Joy raised the matter at the time, an apology could have been offered much sooner, and she questioned the choice to air a personal grievance publicly.

"Wish you shared this with me then. I could have apologised then, but sharing this on social media is not good at all. Pole Sana and may your future be brighter than your past," she concluded.

Joy's video has since reignited a broader conversation among Kenyans about the long-term impact that teachers' words can have on students' mental health and self-belief, particularly during already difficult periods in a young person's life.

Molo family speaks on viral chats allegedly between slain daughter and boyfriend

In other news, TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Joy Wangui’s family rejecting viral screenshots falsely linked to her and her boyfriend, Walter Kipkoech, before her death in Molo.

Her mother said the family had raised concerns about the relationship with police and the local chief before the tragedy.

Joy, an 18-year-old student expected to sit her KCSE exams, was remembered as a bright student whose family is seeking justice.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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