Nairobi: St. George’s Girls closed indefinitely after student unrest

St. George’s Girls Secondary School in Nairobi has been shut down indefinitely after students went on a rampage late Sunday night, breaking the main gate and pouring onto Dennis Pritt Road in protest.

The unrest reportedly began after a teacher allegedly punched a student returning from evening prayers around 9:30 p.m., leaving her injured. Students vowed not to return to class until the teacher is arrested and held accountable.

The protest escalated into clashes with police called in to restore order, leaving several students injured.

The school’s board chairperson said, “When you come to such a situation, all you have to do is close the school for a while.”

By Monday morning, angry parents had gathered at the school demanding answers. Dagoretti North Deputy County Commissioner George Juma confirmed the closure, saying, “Security agencies and the board have agreed to declare the school closed. Further communication will follow.”

Parents accused the school administration of ignoring repeated reports of harsh punishment. They questioned why investigations into the implicated teacher had not begun and why the school principal had not addressed them.

“Why is the principal faceless? If she fears addressing us, how does she manage the school? Why are they not saying what they are investigating?” asked Daisy, a parent.

Juma added that investigations must be conducted, but acknowledged the tense environment made it difficult to proceed.

The school will remain shut until investigations are concluded.