Learning in
Gatundu South, Kiambu County, has been disrupted after 29 boarding schools were
closed following a wave of arson attacks just weeks into the third term.
Authorities have arrested 25 students in connection with the incidents, which are believed to have been coordinated during the recent school holidays.
Education stakeholders are calling for swift investigations to prevent further disruptions, especially with national examinations approaching.
Mururia Boys’ High School is among the affected institutions, along with Ucekeini Girls, Gathiru Boys, and Muhoho Boys, where fires destroyed learning facilities, prompting indefinite closures.
Preliminary investigations suggest that students coordinated the attacks via social media platforms, listing grievances such as strict rules during school reopening and tough examination regulations.
Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe stated that the decision to close all boarding schools in the sub-county was made to prevent further escalation.
“We received information that these incidents were planned on social media. We feared significant losses and decided to send the children home first. We will meet on Monday to plan and find a solution before calling them back,” Kagombe said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the probe, with the arrested students expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.
Parents have expressed concerns over the destruction of property and the financial burden of rebuilding.
“Dormitories have been burned, children's boxes and bedding destroyed. We will pay, but I hope we are not charged for damages we didn't cause,” said an affected parent.
The closures have raised fears of academic calendar disruptions, with guardians urging the reconstruction of affected infrastructure as schools implement preventive measures to stop such incidents.
