Learning has been thrown into confusion across parts of Nyanza after a series of school fires and student protests hit several secondary schools within days, forcing one institution to close and leaving authorities scrambling to establish what is behind the growing unrest.
The latest disturbance was reported on Monday at Nyabisase High School in Bobasi, Kisii County, where students turned violent, throwing stones at teachers before setting a dormitory on fire.
Videos seen on social media captured teachers throwing stones back as they tried to protect themselves from the attacking students. Some of the learners had covered their faces with carrier bags, reportedly to avoid being identified by CCTV cameras.
The incident forced the school to close indefinitely as police and education officials began investigations.
Students claimed they were protesting the posting of a new principal following the retirement of David Ogega.
Later the same day, another fire broke out at Nduru Boys High School in South Mugirango Constituency, destroying dormitories. No injuries were reported, and investigators are yet to determine what caused the fire.
Education officials visited the school on Tuesday to inspect the damage and reassure concerned parents.
The latest incidents came only days after a boys' dormitory was destroyed by fire at Bobaracho Mixed High School in Nyaribari Chache Constituency. Police and the school's board have also opened investigations into that incident.
In Kisumu County, a fire on Monday night damaged part of the boarding section at Nyabondo Boys Boarding School. The blaze caused panic among students, teachers and nearby residents before emergency responders managed to contain it. No injuries were reported.
Police in Homa Bay County are also investigating a fire that destroyed a Grade Six dormitory at Father Scheffer Asumbi Boys on Sunday night. Learners were attending classes when the fire broke out.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said investigations were continuing.
“Parents were called and briefed on what happened. Our officers have also taken up the matter,” Koilem said.
The county has now recorded three school fire incidents within one week, with the other cases reported at Obera Boys Senior Secondary School and Mirogi Boys High School.
Even as investigations continue, some parents have complained about extra levies introduced after schools reopened. Parents with children in schools affected by the unrest said they were being asked to contribute towards the damage before investigations had established what happened.
At Kisumu Boys High School, some parents said they had been asked to pay Sh500 for a student discipline booklet before their children could be allowed back into school.