Students at St. Mary’s Kibabii Boys High School in Bungoma County on Monday February 23, staged a late-night protest over the transfer of their Chief Principal, Nicodemus Ogeto, sparking unrest that disrupted learning and temporarily paralyzed transport along a key highway.
The demonstrations reportedly degenerated into chaos as students poured into the streets and engaged police in running battles, an act which prompted anti-riot officers to deployed tear gas in several parts of Kibabii trading centre to contain the situation.
The residents in surrounding neighborhoods were forced to lock themselves indoors for safety as motorists advised to avoid the busy Kanduyi–Chwele road at the height of the standoff.
By about 10:00 p.m., tension remained high as security agencies moved to contain the situation. Reports indicate that students were later instructed to vacate the school premises as authorities sought to restore order and prevent further escalation.
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The transfer of Principal Ogeto is understood to be part of a routine reassignment by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) following what stakeholders describe as a successful tenure. During his time at the helm, the school reportedly registered improved academic performance, increased enrollment, and notable achievements in co-curricular activities.
However, sources within the school community claim that political undercurrents may have compounded the crisis. Allegations of pressure from certain local leaders — including claims of ethnic considerations — and calls for his replacement with a principal from Goseta Boys High School in Trans Nzoia County are said to have fueled discontent.
The Bungoma Catholic Diocese, the institution’s sponsor, has reportedly intervened in efforts to defuse the tensions.
The incident mirrors a broader pattern witnessed in some Kenyan secondary schools where administrative transfers trigger resistance from students and local stakeholders, occasionally culminating in unrest.
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Parents who spoke to Education News via phone faulted the school administration for what they termed as poor coordination during the crisis. They expressed concern that some students arrived home as late as 1:00 a.m. without prior communication, raising serious safety concerns.
By the time of going to press, education officials were locked in a crisis meeting to deliberate on the matter, making it difficult to secure comments from the school’s top leadership and senior education authorities.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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