- A fire razed a dormitory at Riokindo Girls School in Kisii County on Wednesday evening, causing panic among learners and staff.
- Enock Okong’o reports that students were safely evacuated as firefighters battled to prevent the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
- Police have commenced investigations into the cause of the fire, while the extent of the damage is yet to be established.
Riokindo Girls School, popularly known as the Red Queens because of their distinctive red uniform and walls painted red, went “real bad red” last evening after fire razed a dormitory.
The incident occurred at around 6:00 pm when students were preparing for evening preps. According to students and teachers, thick smoke was first spotted billowing from one corner of the dormitory before flames quickly spread to other parts of the building.
Panic engulfed the school as learners scampered for safety. Teachers and support staff, together with members of the surrounding community, responded swiftly and managed to evacuate all students from the affected dormitory. No casualties have been reported so far, though several students lost personal belongings, including books, uniforms and bedding.
Firefighters contain blaze
The Kisii County fire brigade arrived at the scene and managed to contain the fire from spreading to adjacent classrooms and dormitories.
Speaking at the scene, the Acting Principal, Mrs Eunice Nyangena, said she would not comment on the extent of the damage as firefighters from Kisii and police were still at the scene.
Asked if the school would be closed to allow investigations, the stunned Acting Principal remained non-committal.
Residents and concerned parents who talked to Education News asked security officers to guard against the possible extension of the fire to the nearby Riokindo Boys National School because the gates of both schools are only 10 metres apart. The two schools share many things in common, including the public Riokindo playing ground.
Police from Kenyenya have commenced investigations into the cause of the fire that caused panic among students, staff and parents as students’ property went up in flames in the inferno.
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More residents who spoke to Education News on condition of anonymity alleged that the burning of the dormitory was an act of resistance by learners who had been incited by parents and some teachers over the posting of the new Principal, Madam Rose Maroko, from the neighbouring Ritembu Mixed Secondary School to replace the long-serving principal of the school, Mrs Pamella Nyabuto, who retired recently.
Most of them preferred the Principal of Faraja Mbili Secondary School in Kitutu Central Sub-county to succeed Mrs Nyabuto because of her strong leadership abilities and long-serving experience in senior school.
This reporter could not get immediate comment from the Kisii County Director of Education.
Other parents appealed to learners to avoid violence, such as torching their school, when they want their grievances to be addressed.
By Enock Okong’o
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