Police have arrested 11 students from Kanjuri High School, Nyeri, for allegedly torching a dormitory housing 98 beds on Friday, October 29.
According to a report, the students started the first fire on Friday morning, protesting lack of midterm break. However, the school authorities alerted the fire brigade in Karatina who put out the fire.
The school authorities then held a meeting concerning the matter and decided not to grant the students request, but chose not to punish the students.
However, later that night, the students started another fire that is reported to have destroyed property worth Ksh800,000.
This led to the immediate closure of the school so as to avoid re-occurrence of a similar event.
This time, the students, who were also caught in possession of bhang, were arrested.
A number of students were later spotted at bus stations without uniforms heading home after the indefinite closure of the school.
The students are currently detained at Kiamachibi and Kiamariga police stations.
Mathira East Police Commander, James Barasa, issued a statement confirming that the students have been arrested. He further stated they will be arraigned on Monday, October 1.
The 11 students will appear before the court to face arson charges.
Several arson cases have continuously been reported in secondary schools over the past few months, even after education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha, issued statements concerning the non-enrollment of unruly scholars expelled from other institutions.
Additionally, relevant authorities have also issued strict warnings to students who have involved themselves in criminal activities in institutions stating that they will face serious repercussions.
