More schools in Gusii region close as fires sweep schools 

The wave of student unrest sweeping across schools in the country has sparked the closure of at least four schools in Gusii region.

In some other high schools, principals said they were monitoring the situation closely.

“We are leaving nothing to chance. We have deployed teachers to keep even night vigils to ensure we are not caught unawares,” stated a school chief requestong anonymity.

On Saturday, students at Kisii School were sent home after some rogue students razed down the cubicle where the school captain slept.

Other schools that have since closed include Sameta Boys High School, Masosa Mixed Secondary School and Sironga Girls High School .

At Sameta a dorm was set ablaze at noon.

There were claims some outsiders were involved.

There had been no reports of arrests four days since the incident.

At Kisii School, the incident happened during the institution’s visiting day, forcing parents who had travelled from different parts of the country to abruptly return home with their children.

Although no injuries were reported, the closure exposed frustrations simmering within the student population.

Sources familiar with the situation said students had been demanding to be sent home amid reports of unrest in schools across the country.

For many parents, the closure came as a financial and emotional blow.

“We have received a message asking us to pick our children and take them home,” said Winnie Malemba who has travelled from Nairobi.

Another parent, Geoffrey Nyandeka urged for vigilance.

At Sironga Girls High School, where tensions reportedly began on Friday, Form Three students were allowed to leave school to clear fee balances, leaving behind Form Fours and Grade 10 learners.

By Saturday morning, the remaining students were reportedly demanding similar treatment, disrupting a Sabbath Service and prompting school management to close the institution.

It is sponsored by the Seventh Day Adventist church.

Meanwhile, Sameta Boys High School remains closed following a dormitory fire that destroyed part of the school earlier this week.

At Masosa Mixed Secondary School in Nyamira County, another dormitory fire left more than 100 girls without accommodation after flames consumed bedding, personal belongings, and the roof of the dormitory block.

Across the country, at least 50 schools have closed in the chaos in the past weeks. There are fears of more violence which would lead to the closure of more schools.

On Saturday, Moi Girls High School in Nairobi also closed.