Parents and students at St George's Girls' High School were left in limbo as the institution declined to allow learners back following a students unrest two weeks ago.
Parents who arrived at the school on Thursday, September 18 with the hopes of reinstating their children to the institution were left frustrated after they were turned back at the main gate.
According to sections of the parents, the school administration refused to take in students, instead insisting they would only listen to concerns from Tuesday, September 23.
This left several students and their parents, particularly those who travelled long distances, stranded.
“We were here yesterday at a cost. We are here once again at a cost. We have been told to come back on Tuesday. Why should parents be victimised?” One parent asked.
Another guardian expressed concern over the fact that candidates were also being turned away despite the fact that they were preparing for national exams.
“If they want our children to perform well, why are they locking them out? They should also factor in that some of these students are Form Fours. They need to be in school," another parent stated.
The lockdown of the school was triggered by a wave of protests on September 8, as students forcibly walked out of the institution after taking down the main gate during protests on September 8. At the centre of the students' grievances was allegations of corporal punishment.
Further reports indicate that the riot was prompted by reports that one student had been assaulted by a teacher for going outside to view the 'blood moon' lunar eclipse.
Deputy County Commissioner, Dagoretti North Sub-County subsequently declared the closure of the school indefinitely hours after the walk-out, in a move which was welcomed by cheers from students.
The third term, which kicked off on Monday, August 25, is the shortest academic term of the year, but it is arguably the most important, as it is the term when candidates sit for their national assessments.
Term 3 remains a restricted period for school activities, meaning all non-essential activities and visits to secondary schools are banned throughout the term.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations will begin on November 3 and end on November 21, running for three weeks (18 days).
