At least 10 students have been arrested following Sunday night's incident, where learners at Litein Boys High School in Kericho County went on a rampage, burning down parts of the institution.
Speaking on Monday, September 22, during an interview on Citizen TV, Kericho Governor Eric Mutai revealed that the 10 suspects were apprehended following the use of CCTV footage obtained by security officers within the school.
While commending the County security team for their swift response to the matter, Mutai stated that the suspects were undergoing interrogation to shed more light on the incident that occurred that night.
"I have had an engagement today with the County security team, and I am happy, and I commend them for the work and the steps they have taken. As we talk now, ten boys have been arrested," said Mutai.
He went on to add, "You saw on the CCTV, some were brandishing machetes and some were carrying knives. These tenj boys will be able to lead the security team in the investigations."
Governor Mutai further revealed that plans were underway to convene a special meeting with officials from the Ministry of Education to address the systemic challenges facing the school.
According to Mutai, the Ministry of Education officials will specifically look into both the internal and external challenges facing the school to identify the root cause of the incident.
"By so doing, it will help us get to the deep-rooted cause of the problem. Litein Boys is not the only school that will be considered. The same will be done in all the institutions within Kericho County," the Governor affirmed.
Mutai's announcement comes hours after the school was closed indefinitely after students protested the administration's decision to deny them the chance to watch the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City.
What began as a mere complaint quickly escalated into a full-blown strike, with the students resorting to violence by burning down a section of school buildings, including dormitories and classrooms.
Videos and images widely shared on social media platforms showed dormitories and classrooms engulfed in thick smoke as the flames raged through the buildings.
Reports indicated that the student overpowered security and police officers after switching off all lights in the compound, allowing them to carry out the destruction under the cover of darkness.
