Parents have flocked Nyambaria Boys High School seeking assurance of their children’s safety as unusual number of security officers were being transported to the school.
Nyamira County Director of Education, Joshua Kaga, moved swiftly to address their concerns, emphasizing the students’ well-being during the ongoing examinations.
One parent, Zachary Nyabuto, attempted to intervene, but he was restrained at the school gate by vigilant guards.
Reportedly, the apprehension stemmed from rumors that strangers had invaded the school, prompting parents to rush to the scene to ensure their children’s safety.
Kaga sought to calm the worried parents, assuring them that the candidates were progressing well in their examinations and emphasizing that the security measures were in place to maintain order.
“The tension had escalated after candidates reportedly expelled officials from the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), accusing them of intimidation and providing false information about the examination progress,” he explained.
The Director further highlighted that the disruption followed the suspension of the school’s principal, Charles Onyari, who also served as the examination center manager.
“Onyari, along with his counterpart from Sironga Girls, had recorded statements with the Nyamira police station regarding alleged examination malpractice, subsequently being released on bond,” Kaga stated.
Additionally, he noted that two candidates from Nyambaria and one from Sironga Girls, involved in the incident, also recorded statements and were released on a Ksh. 10,000 bond.
Kago also stated that the students’ actions were fueled by discontent over perceived high-handedness by KNEC officials, who they believed were unfairly targeting their school, a top performer in the 2022 National examinations in the county.
Senators Eddy Okech (Migori), Enock Wambua (Kitui), Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi), and Okong’o O’mogeni (Nyamira) called on the Education Cabinet Secretary, Ezekiel Machogu, to investigate the implicated KNEC officials and ensure a conducive examination environment for the students.
A subsequent visit to the school revealed a semblance of calm, although the security personnel remained cautious, refraining from responding to inquiries.
Nyamira County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha acknowledged the senators’ concerns while urging against the politicization of education matters during the critical examination period.
By Enock Okong’o
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