Kaimosi Boy’s secondary school in Hamisi Sub County of the Vihiga county closed after seven students allegedly burnt down a dormitory.
According the school’s Principal Tom Shevisa, the fire started in the morning while the students were in class learning.
“I was on the other side of the school compound when I saw smoke coming from one of the dormitories before I alerted the students and teachers,” said Shevisa.
He said efforts by the students and teachers to suppress the fire were futile as the dormitory which house form two and three went into flames.
You can also read, Kaimosi Boys’ Secondary school dormitory set of fire
He said the seven suspected form four students had been suspended for indulging in drugs and truancy for two weeks.
“We link the tragedy with the suspension of seven form four students who were sent home over indiscipline cases” said the principal.
He added that the school will be re-opened on Tuesday 19th July and the police have commenced investigations into the matter.
Shevisa said about 200 students were affected by the fire and all their personal effects went into flames with no causalities reported.
At the same time Kenya Secondary Heads Association Vice chairman Indimuli Kahi condemned the act and said the association is very concerned about burning of schools Countrywide.
He said the association held a lengthy consultative meeting with Permanent secretary Ministry of Education and TSC to find out the root cause of the problem so as to find a solution to the same.
“We have held meeting with TSC officials and Ministry of Education and as an association, we will give a full report on the rise of unrest in schools by 26th of this month through our secretariat,” said Kahi who is also the principal of Chavakali boys.
He appealed to the students to air their grievances through an open communication channel the schools have provided and stop burning school’s properties.
“These properties are long term investment by stakeholders, parents and government. We cannot solve our problems by burning them,” added Kahi.
Kahi suggested that the suspected students should face full wrath of the law and be imprisoned at borstal institution to deter such behaviors in future.
The two principals were addressing the press Thursday at the school’s compound after a lengthy meeting indoors with other education officials.