Arson attacks against schools on the rise again

By Mutinda Mwanzia

A wave of arson attacks students has hit schools in Ukambani.

A boys’ dormitory was yesterday razed by rampaging students at Kyeni Academy in Kangundo District.

The public made futile attempts to put out the fire, but were overwhelmed by the flames.

The dormitory was reduced to a shell as parents and villagers streamed to the private school to assess the damage.

A teacher told ‘The Standard’ on the telephone that the students were protesting over poor food and conditions in the dormitories on Sunday night. They went on strike yesterday.

Last Friday, fire gutted a dormitory at Machakos Boys School, causing damage worth more than Sh5 million. Students’ personal belongings and school property went up in flames in a fire suspected to have been started by students.

No one was injured as students were in their classrooms for the evening preps.

School Principal David Kilonzi said the board of governors had decided to close the institution.

Cause of unrest

Other schools that have experienced arson attacks are Kabaa High School, where students torched a dormitory last week.

Principal Thomas Mbaluto told ‘The Standard’ that the school administration sent the students home after the incident.

"The students return today after a one-week break. We are going to grill the ringleaders and find the cause of the unrest," said Mr Mbaluto.

Masii High was also closed after students protested.