Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera convened a crisis meeting this morning at Kivaywa Boys High School after a dormitory went up in flames last night, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake.
As the smoke clears, Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda and Lwandeti Ward MCA Pius Balex are also on hand to lend their support to the beleaguered institution.
Reports indicate that at least five unruly students have so far been arrested following the incident that led to the destruction of property, whose cost has not been estimated, and the displacement of 286 learners.
The meeting sought to ease tension and help with the resumption of learning. The leaders agreed not to close the extra-county institution and pledged to help the affected learners recover their belongings and continue with their studies.
According to a message sent on WhatsApp groups by Shaphan More, the MP’s head of communications, the lawmaker asked police to speed up their investigation into the cause of the incident and take action against the culprits.
Mr. Nabwera, who is a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, paid a visit to the school on Sunday evening in an attempt to intervene in the matter.
The first-time legislator lamented the rising cases of indiscipline in schools in his constituency which he believes are impacting performance.
“Colleagues, I have had a tough evening. The best school in my constituency, Kivaywa High School, with 1400 students, has had one of its dormitories burned by students,” he wrote in a WhatsApp message.
“Leaving the school now. But with assistance of the local community, we have apprehended five students who are crucial suspects. One has accepted. Discipline in schools is such a big challenge.”
A similar incident was reported at St. Peter’s Mumias Boys, where one dormitory was burned by suspected students around the same time.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.