St. George’s Girls High School in Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following a violent strike by students that began on Sunday evening, September 7, and escalated into the early hours of Monday morning.
Last evening tension increased when students were heard chanting “wanatuchapanga, wanatuchapanga” (“They beat us, they beat us”), accusing school authorities of administering corporal punishment.
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The protest soon turned chaotic, with students reportedly destroying the school gate and threatening further action if their grievances were not addressed.
Parents received frantic calls from their daughters, only to find their children had spent the night outside the school compound.
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Many expressed disappointment and frustration at what they termed a lack of response from the school administration during the crisis.
Education officials arrived at the scene on Monday morning to contain the situation and oversee the safety of the learners. The school management later announced its indefinite closure, directing parents to pick up their daughters.
However, some parents complained of being threatened with surcharges if they chose to take their children home before official clearance.
The situation was further aggravated when Form Four thsi morning students reportedly promised to burn down the school if left behind, raising fears of greater destruction.
The Ministry of Education is yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but sources indicate that investigations into the allegations of corporal punishment and the destruction of school property have been launched.
By Joseph Mambili
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