Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng has sparked controversy by promising to provide legal representation for any teacher charged with administering corporal punishment to students.

Speaking at Sega Primary School while issuing National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursary cheques, the lawmaker cited a worrying rise in indiscipline among school-going children as the primary reason for his stance.

“I must say that pupils and students in primary and secondary schools must be caned for them to toe the line and become responsible people,” Mr Ochieng stated.

The MP, who is an advocate by profession, insisted that the issue of student discipline is non-negotiable.

He urged school principals to reintroduce the cane to ensure learners “grow up well.”

“Any teacher who is taken to court on grounds of disciplining a learner, I will personally represent them,” he declared.

The MP’s remarks directly challenge the Children’s Act and the Basic Education Act.

Corporal punishment was officially abolished in Kenyan schools during the administration of the late President Mwai Kibaki, with current laws strictly prohibiting any form of physical punishment or mental harassment of learners.