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The students are suspected of attempting to set a school dormitory on fire before the plan was thwarted.
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The incident was reportedly prevented after members of the public intervened and alerted authorities in time.
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The suspects were arrested at the school and taken to Sotik Police Station, where they are being interrogated.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
Ten students from Kamungei Mixed Day Secondary School in Sotik, Bomet County, are in police custody following an alleged attempt to set a school dormitory on fire.
The students were arrested at the school and taken to Sotik Police Station, where they are being questioned by investigators.
The suspected arson attempt was thwarted after members of the public intervened and alerted authorities before the fire could be lit.
Confirming the incident, area police commander Sammy Choge said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted arson.
“The students are currently being questioned, and appropriate action will be taken once investigations are complete,” said Choge.
He noted that those found culpable would face prosecution while those cleared of wrongdoing would be released to their parents.
“If they are found responsible, they will be taken to court. If they are innocent, they will be handed over to their parents,” he said.
Choge warned students against engaging in acts of vandalism and destruction of school property.
“We will not tolerate the destruction of school property. Stern action will be taken against anyone found culpable,” he added.
Comprehensive school heads address rising unrest, call for collective action
Police have launched investigations into the incident as authorities seek to establish the motive behind the attempted arson.
The incident comes amid rising concerns over student unrest in several schools across Bomet County.
The incident comes even as Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba condemned violence in schools while addressing mourners during a requiem mass for the 15 victims of the Utumishi Girls fire tragedy.
“We shall never condone acts of lawlessness, violence and vandalism in our schools,” said Ogamba.
The Education CS urged students to use peaceful channels to air grievances rather than resorting to destruction of property.
“However aggrieved students may be, they should not resort to destruction of school property. There are amicable ways of expressing concerns and resolving disputes,” he said.
Education officials and security agencies have appealed for greater vigilance and cooperation among parents, teachers and students to curb the resurgence of unrest in schools.
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