Nyambaria National School, Thika High School, and Kanga National School have released students or announced temporary closures amid growing concerns over student unrest and a recent wave of school fires reported in different parts of the country.
Tension was particularly high at Nyambaria National School on Sunday after reports of unusual activity at the institution sparked anxiety among parents and the surrounding community. Several parents arrived at the school early in the morning demanding to take their children home, citing fears of a possible fire incident.
“We came because we cannot take chances. With what is happening in other schools, it is better to be safe than sorry,” one parent said outside the main gate.
According to teachers, parents began arriving from as early as 7 a.m., some travelling from Nyamira Town and Keroka after reportedly receiving calls from their children describing a tense atmosphere within the school.
The situation escalated when students allegedly set a tractor belonging to the county government on fire while it was parked within the school compound. The incident heightened panic and prompted a swift response from the administration.
Emergency meeting
Chief Principal Charles Onyari convened an emergency meeting with the Board of Management and local security officials, after which parents who wished to take their children home were allowed to do so as a precautionary measure.
A senior teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the school had not received any direct threat but admitted that students had appeared unusually quiet and withdrawn in the days leading up to Sunday.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. The safety of the students remains our priority,” the teacher said.
Meanwhile, Thika High School announced a one-week “peer pressure break” and directed students to leave on June 8 and return on June 15.
At Kanga National School, management said students had remained calm but reported “unusual excitement” among learners. Following consultations with the Board of Management and Ministry of Education officials, the school resolved to release students as a precautionary measure.
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The developments come as schools across the country remain on high alert amid increasing fears of unrest and arson incidents.
By Enock Okongó
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