The trouble that started on Sunday after students burnt down a dormitory continues to escalate. Although some culprits have been identified, the riotous mood still pervades the school.
There is trouble at Maranda High School in Bondo, Siaya. Chaos started on Sunday when some Form Three students allegedly burnt down a dormitory used by Form Four students.
12 students caught leaving the scene of the fire were immediately taken into police custody at Bondo. The school administration sent home the remaining Form Three students this morning.
Of the 12 students detained, the police have identified 6 as individuals captured on CCTV at two petrol stations buying fuel.
Form Four Students Sent Home
This afternoon, the Maranda High School administration sent the Form Four students home. Although they were apparently the aggrieved party, given that their property went up in smoke during last night’s arson, the management had no choice but to release them.
This followed their riotous actions at lunchtime. The Form Four students poured the food served to them and broke plates. They then boycotted the remaining lessons and demanded that the administration send them home.
Management Contemplating Temporary Closure of the School
Before sending the Form Four students home this afternoon, the school Principal, Dr. Edwin Namachanja, conferred with the Education Director’s office.
There is a likelihood that the remaining class, the Grade 10 students, will be sent home tomorrow morning. If that happens, the school will be virtually closed.
Maranda High School came into national limelight in 2011, when it topped the country’s high schools in national examination performance. The school’s performance has continued to be exemplary, often ranking among the top 1O.
Hopefully, the current disruptive situation will be handled to ensure a smooth continuity of learning. Otherwise, the economy is so dire that students cannot afford to waste time and resources at their disposal.