Teachers have raised concerns over the increasing incidents of students leaving school to attend political rallies.
Speaking to Nation Africa on Saturday, June 18, Isiolo county parents' chairperson, Ismael Galma, blamed the trend on handouts dished out during campaigns.
He stated that the most affected were high school students who were opting to attend the rallies mostly conducted in the afternoon.
His counterpart, Lydia Ntinyari, opined that majority of the parents were worried that the students would start engaging in illegal activities if the menace was not tamed.
“Teachers and principals should conduct regular checks to establish those not in school and then notify their parents for action.
“We are afraid they could use the money that ranges from Ksh500 to Ksh2,000 to buy drugs and ruin their lives,” she stated.
The officials revealed that the majority of the students were carrying civilian clothes with them so that they are not identified at the rallies.
Additionally, they urged political leaders to carry out their campaigns during the weekends when students are not in school.
On his part, James Nyaga, Isiolo County Director of Education, stated that schools in the area will start having roll calls during the day to address the parents' concerns.
“We have asked the school management to conduct morning and afternoon headcounts,” he stated.
The official campaign period started on May 29 by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for candidates seeking various seats to popularise their bids.
Schools, on the other hand, are in the first term and are expected to close next month for holidays.
