Four Maranda students held over school fire

By Lawrence Aluru

NYANZA; KENYA; Four students at Maranda High School have been arrested in connection with the burning of two dormitories. Bondo OCPD Paul Kiarie said the four were picked from the school on Friday following investigation into the Monday fire.

He said two boys are likely to be arraigned in court, while the others are being questioned.

The 6.30am Monday fire started when students were attending the morning assembly.

Deputy Principal Bob Oyugi said students tried desperately to salvage property from the two dorms housing 215 Form Three students.

“Although some property was salvaged, 160 students had their items destroyed,” he said.

Oyugi said no student was injured, adding that the cause of the fire was not immediately established.

“We do not suspect anybody to have been involved since it came at an odd time,” said Oyugi.

At the time of the fire, there was a power blackout and the school was relying on a generator. Last year, two people were accused of being involved in the burning of dormitories at the same school.