Malava Member of Parliament (MP) David Ndakwa has expressed concern over the series of student strikes at Friends School Malava Boys, noting that he will convened a stakeholders’ meeting with school management to address the issue.
Speaking during a funeral service in Shirugu-Mugai Ward, attended by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, Ndakwa questioned why a well-equipped extra-county school continues to experience instability saying that the institution should be setting the standard in academic performance, co-curricular activities, and discipline.
He noted that the school, which recently underwent a change in leadership, has seen a decline in order and discipline, with cases of students sneaking out and organizing unrest without the knowledge of the administration.
Ndakwa said the planned meeting will bring together school management and relevant stakeholders to address the root causes of the strikes.
“This school has received significant investment, and the last thing parents and the community expect is repeated unrest,” he said. “Malava Boys is the pride of this constituency, and it should be performing excellently given its infrastructure and support from both national and county governments.”
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The MP, an educationist, warned that urgent action is needed to restore order and prevent the institution from further decline.
Riot Incident
The school’s latest unrest occurred on Sunday night, March 29, when a section of students staged a violent riot, destroying property of unknown value and leaving several learners injured.
The incident reportedly began at around 8:30 p.m. when a group of students sneaked out of the school through the fence. They were spotted by another student, who reported the matter to a dormitory captain. Prefects were then mobilised to apprehend the group upon their return.
Between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., chaos erupted within the school, with reports of shouting, door banging, and glass breaking. Neighbours confirmed disturbances at the institution as the situation escalated.
Tensions rose after non-prefect students targeted those believed to have reported the incident. A suspected whistleblower, along with prefects, was attacked by fellow students using blows, kicks, and crude weapons, leaving several seriously injured.
Prefects who attempted to intervene were forced to flee to the school’s sick bay. However, the mob pursued them, smashing windows and attempting to break into the facility.
Teachers and security personnel intervened and later called in police officers from Kabras, who managed to contain the situation.
During the unrest, students also broke into the school bakery and canteen, making away with food items and cash from the day’s sales.
The school administration subsequently sent students home indefinitely, just a day before the official closing date.
Ongoing Concerns
Four students were identified as having sneaked out, while several others were suspended for allegedly participating in the violence and destruction of property.
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Efforts to obtain a statement from Senior Principal Moses Moyi were unsuccessful, as he remained engaged with parents and education officials.
The incident adds to a series of concerns at the school. In October 2025, a dormitory housing 200 students was destroyed by a fire reportedly caused by an electrical fault. No official report on the incident has been released.
The principal, who assumed office late last year, has since come under scrutiny, with stakeholders questioning his leadership following both the fire and the recent unrest.
Sources within the school allege that the principal has failed to effectively collaborate with teaching and non-teaching staff, instead relying on a small inner circle.
Growing dissatisfaction among parents and the local community has led to increasing calls for his transfer.
By Wakhungu Andanje
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