Kenyatta Boys National School in Taita Taveta has suspended all Form Four students following Thursday, September 11, night riots that led to the destruction of property of unknown value.
The school’s Board of Management (BOM) sent home 369 Form Four students for a week after they allegedly rioted over excessive punishment and reduced study hours. In a crisis meeting, the BOM resolved to suspend the students to allow for investigations and appropriate action.
Taita Taveta County Police Commander Jonathan Koech said the school’s administration will carry out corrective measures before the students return.
“All the 369 Form Four students have been sent home for one week as other corrective measures are being considered. Classes for Forms Two and Three continued smoothly, and security officers remained deployed within the school compound. The situation remained calm,” Koech said.
Koech noted that the board met to hear and deliberate on the students’ grievances, which included excessive punishment and inadequate study time. The students had reportedly requested an additional two hours of study time.
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Earlier, police and BOM members said the students had refused to sit for a mock examination last week, instead choosing to riot and destroy school property. The students reportedly vandalised the school’s canteen, dining hall, and window panes before storming out and camping along the Mwatate-Wundanyi road for hours.
“We had agreed with the school authorities last term that, upon reopening, this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates must sit for regular mock examinations to help improve performance in national exams. Last month, about 30 students refused to sit the mock,” said a BOM member.
Koech blamed the riot partly on indiscipline among students and alleged that some teachers were inciting unrest to resist changes introduced by the new principal, Donnie Maingi.
“The new principal is strict and committed to restoring discipline and improving performance. However, some teachers are resisting change and inciting students. We will pursue those responsible for the chaos,” he said.
He added that the school had recently confiscated dozens of mobile phones from students suspected of cheating, a move that upset both students and some teachers allegedly involved in malpractice.
By Juma Ndigo
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