Eight students face arson charges as schools third term gets underway

Abdulahi Galgalo, the Embu County Commissioner with a fork during the groundbreaking ceremony of Junior secondary school classes at All saints Kigari day secondary school on January 6, 2021. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

Eight students from four schools in Embu County are facing arson charges for setting their schools ablaze and destroying property.

County Police Commander, Daniel Rukunga, said the eight were arrested last year and warned that police officers are keenly monitoring cases of indiscipline in schools.

“Last year we arraigned eight students for arson. I am not sure how the cases will end, but they may end up in jail and so be warned and remain disciplined while in school,” Rukunga warned.

Rukunga was speaking during a tour by Embu County Commissioner, Abdullahi Galgalo, and the Embu security committee to inspect and groundbreaking construction of Junior secondary school classes at All Saints Kigari Day Secondary School in Embu North Sub-county.

During the tour, Galgalo appealed to students to refrain from acts of indiscipline in order to succeed in their studies and life after school.

“These acts of criminality will come to haunt you later in life and dent your future careers and job prospects. You may look heroic in school when engaging in acts of hooliganism but remember your life will be destroyed after school,” Galgalo warned.

His call came amid concern over growing cases of indiscipline that have seen more than 100 schools around the country record arson attacks, leaving a trail of damages running into millions of shillings.

Galgalo called on all stakeholders including teachers, parents, and spiritual leaders to join hands in mentoring and instilling good values among learners while at home.