Lari Boys High School has been closed indefinitely after a Saturday night fire—allegedly started by students—engulfed key buildings including the administration block and classrooms, sparing only the dormitories. The unrest reportedly began when students were denied access to musical instruments, sparking chaos that left the school community in shock.
According to initial reports, the fire broke out around 9pm, affecting key facilities including the administration block and school library.
By the time emergency response teams arrived, large flames had already destroyed several structures.
Eyewitness videos and photos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising into the night sky as crowds gathered outside the school fence. Some onlookers could be heard expressing concern over the safety of students.
The Kiambu County fire brigade responded swiftly to the incident, with five firefighting units deployed to the scene, reportedly through the intervention of area MCA Nyutu.
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While the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation, some unverified online reports suggest that students may have been involved in starting the fire. This was fueled by video clips in which voices could be heard shouting slogans as buildings were engulfed in flames.
A Facebook post by Grace Shiru read: “Lari boys is on fire. pls God protect my son and others.”
Another emotional post by Wilson Njogu read: “Lari boys on fire kibia tukazime moto? Happening now, MCA nyutu ametuma 5 fire fighters na some students walipotelea kwa msitu! They were singing WANTAM they burnt laboratory, where money,& documents are kept so tunashindwa school balance zitaangaliwa aje?” (Lari Boys is on fire—should we run and help put it out? It’s happening now. MCA Nyutu has sent 5 fire trucks, and some students have fled into the forest! They were singing ‘WANTAM’. They burned the laboratory where money and documents are kept, so now we’re wondering how the school balance will be accounted for).
As of now, there have been no confirmed injuries, although some students are said to have scattered into nearby thickets as the fire spread.
The school is expected to release an official statement once all students are accounted for and safety assessments are complete.
By Joseph Mambili
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