Kericho: Litein Boys closed indefinitely, 8 students arrested over Sunday strike

Eight students of Litein Boys High School in Kericho County have been arrested following Sunday night unrest, during which learners went on a rampage, burning classrooms and vandalising offices.

The students were reportedly protesting alleged high-handedness by the school principal.

The aftermath of the incident was evident on the compound, which was littered with tattered books, shards of broken glass and burnt items.

Classroom walls bore marks of arson. Neighbours said they heard noises from the school on Sunday afternoon, with the situation escalating into the night.

Florence Chepkirui, a resident of Litein, said: “Tulipofika shule tukaskia watoto wanapiga vitu kabisa. Kitu ilikuwa inatuweka hofu sana, ni ati walikuwa wanataka kuenda Litein Girls.”

Gladys Chepkoech, another resident, added: “Maaskari kweli walikuwa hapa lakini watoto waliharibu vitu nyingi. Hatutajui ni nini haswa kwa sababu kuna wakati pia walianza hivi lakini haikukua kali kama ya leo.”

Parents have expressed concern over what they say is a trend of vandalism, noting that the school has been destroyed four times in the last three years.

“We are here to listen to the students, we are here to listen to the parent and also the board so that we are able to run the school in a collaborative management style,” said Kibet Komingoi, Bureti MP

Police confirmed the arrest of eight students found with property allegedly belonging to staff. The school has since been closed indefinitely.

While condemning the destruction, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok warned students against hooliganism and directed education officials to be more vigilant.