Police arrest three suspects in Chemelil Academy gang attack

• Police have arrested three suspects linked to a gang attack at Chemilil Academy in Muhoroni.

• The arrest comes after the a gang forced their way into the school, vandalised offices, and made away with cash and other valuables.

Detectives in Muhoroni Sub County have arrested three suspects linked to a gang attack at Chemelil Academy, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said, even as a manhunt continues for the rest of the attackers.

The attack happened on June 18, 2026, when officers received a distress call reporting an ongoing raid at the school. Responding officers found about 20 men fleeing in different directions, some heading towards Achego and others disappearing into nearby sugarcane fields. Witnesses said the attackers were armed with pangas, clubs, rungus and bows.

According to security guard, the assault began at the school gate, where he was struck with the flat side of a panga before the gang forced its way in. By the time police arrived, the attackers had already forced their way into the administration block and vandalised the offices of the principal and deputy principal, assaulting staff in the process and making off with 10 smartphones, cash and other valuables.

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Parents Association chair Fredrick Otieno said six teachers went briefly unaccounted for in the chaos before order was restored. The school has 457 learners in total, and officials confirmed all of them were safe.

Injured staff members were rushed to Nyang’oma Sub County Hospital, where they are now receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

Following the attack, officers launched a manhunt that, through intelligence leads, led to the arrest of three suspects at various locations within Chemelil.

The three are currently in custody undergoing processing ahead of arraignment, and could face robbery with violence charges. The DCI said detectives are pursuing additional leads to track down and arrest the remaining suspects still at large.

The attack comes against the backdrop of a leadership dispute at the school. Parents resolved on June 11 that the institution should be run independently through the Chemelil Educational Registered Trustees, rather than Chemelil Sugar Company 2025 Ltd, the new lessee of the adjacent sugar mill.

By Benedict Aoya