Property worth millions went up in flames at Igoji Boarding Primary School in Meru County on the night of August 12, 2024.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, however, the police are working to unravel the cause of the night inferno.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Meru County Commissioner, Jacob Ouma speculated the cause of the fire might have emanated from a land ownership tussle between the school and unnamed parties.
The County Commissioner who visited the scene of the incident, noted the extent of the destruction was huge and unacceptable.
"We have visited this school and the extent of destruction I have witnessed here in this school is unacceptable,” the official stated. The Commissioner said there are legal means of addressing the alleged squabbles.
“Even if there are issues, be it land ownership issues, or construction of another institute on this parcel land. The way to solve the issue is not the destruction of property that we have witnessed,” he cautioned.
Igoji Boarding Primary School has been in existence since 1970. The inferno that razed down the school will leave many pupils without dormitories as the opening of third term draws near.
“I will not accept cases of vandalism to continue. Anyone involved in financing any acts of crimes will be dealt in accordance with the law,” the government official affirmed adding that there is rule of law to be followed.
“The issue of land will be resolved through relevant government agencies that deal with land ownership as long there are land ownership documents.”
On his part, Father Lawrence Micheni, the director of Igoji Boarding Primary School welcomed the visit by the county commissioner and condemned those believed to be behind the fire incident saying it was inhumane and retrogressive.
Let us be human, let us be foresighted like our grandparents who donated this land,” he said. The director further shed light on the contentious issue of land ownership of the school.
“On the matter of division of land, the National Land Commission visited the place, gave their suggestions and said the land has to be sub divided so that we have the primary section and the technical school because the land is big enough to accommodate not only two institutions even if a third institution wants to come,” he elaborated.
