GATUNDU SOUTH, Kenya (BN24) — Authorities in Kiambu County ordered the indefinite closure of 29 boarding schools in Gatundu South, Kenya, after a wave of arson attacks destroyed classrooms and dormitories, throwing learning into turmoil just weeks into the third term.
At least 25 students have been arrested in connection with the fires, which investigators believe were carefully orchestrated during the recent school holidays. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since taken over the probe, with the suspects expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.
Parents rushed to collect their children Friday from affected institutions, including Mururia Boys’ High School, Ucekeini Girls, Gathiru Boys and Muhoho Boys, where flames gutted critical facilities, forcing administrators to shut down operations. Similar evacuations unfolded at dozens of other schools.
Education officials said the closures, unprecedented in scale, were meant to prevent the unrest from spreading further. Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe said the decision to suspend learning across all boarding schools in the sub-county was a precaution to safeguard both students and property.
Preliminary investigations suggest the attacks were coordinated through social media, particularly Instagram. Students allegedly cited grievances ranging from strict frisking procedures at reopening, to tough examination rules, and even demands for reporting hours to be pushed to the afternoon.
The arson spree has rattled education stakeholders, who warn the shutdown could severely disrupt preparations for upcoming national examinations. A crisis meeting has been scheduled to discuss long-term measures to restore calm and strengthen school safety.
Parents expressed deep anxiety over the closures and destruction. “We are worried about our children’s safety and education, especially with exams so close,” said Peninah Mburu, a parent at one of the shuttered schools. Charles Mwangi, another parent, warned of the financial strain families would face in rebuilding burned infrastructure.
Authorities are concerned that unless the perpetrators are swiftly prosecuted and security reinforced, the coordinated unrest could trigger similar incidents elsewhere in the county and beyond.
Source: citizen.digital
