- Fifteen students have been arrested in connection with the fire at Mirogi Boys High School.
- Prosecutors will seek orders to detain the suspects for 21 days to allow completion of investigations.
- The incident has renewed concern over rising cases of school unrest and arson across the country.
Fifteen students have been arrested in connection with the arson incident at Mirogi Boys High School in Ndhiwa Sub-county, Homa Bay County, and are expected to be arraigned before the Principal Magistrate’s Court in Ndhiwa.
The prosecution is expected to apply for orders to detain the students for a further 21 days to allow detectives to complete investigations into the fire that destroyed part of the school earlier this week.
The fire broke out on Monday night, only hours after students had returned from the half-term break, causing panic among learners, teachers and members of the surrounding community.
Images from the scene showed one of the school’s buildings engulfed in flames as emergency responders rushed to contain the blaze.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Police launched investigations immediately after the incident to establish the cause of the fire and identify those responsible.
The arrests followed statements recorded from students and members of staff, with investigators seeking to determine the level of involvement of each suspect.
The prosecution argues that additional time is required to collect forensic evidence, review witness statements and determine whether further charges should be preferred against the suspects.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the increasing cases of student unrest and school arson across the country.
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Education stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger guidance and counselling programmes, improved communication between school administrators and learners, and enhanced security measures to address the rising cases of school fires and destruction of property.
By Antony Ogada
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