Security agencies are facing intense criticism following a series of violent riots that have crippled schools across the South Rift. Parents and education stakeholders accuse police of failing to act, even after being tipped off about impending unrest at Litein Boys’ High School and other institutions.
According to witnesses, police lingered outside the gates for hours as students torched dormitories, classrooms, and offices. By the time reinforcements arrived, millions worth of property had been destroyed. Documents including KCSE certificates, receipt books, and textbooks were left strewn across the compound.
Investigations now suggest that some looters from outside the schools joined the chaos, carting away sacks of maize, rice, and beans. Several items have since been recovered in local markets, strengthening suspicions of collusion between students and outsiders.
The unrest has seen eight Litein Boys’ students arrested and charged with arson, burglary, and destruction of property. However, parents argue that justice will not be served unless authorities also address the systemic failures that allowed the destruction to escalate unchecked.
Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) officials say the unrest reflects both indiscipline and weak policing. Branch secretary Mary Rotich urged a coordinated approach involving parents, teachers, security officers, and community leaders.
Parents have expressed fury that they may be forced to shoulder reconstruction costs despite the government’s security lapses. “Police were warned early in the week. Why didn’t they act? Why should parents pay?” asked businessman Samuel Koros.
With several schools closed indefinitely and reconstruction bills looming, the crisis has triggered calls for accountability within the Ministry of Education and police service. Stakeholders are demanding reforms to ensure early intelligence leads to real action—not idle bystanders watching schools burn.
