Mbale High School closed indefinitely after students unrest
Mbale High School in Vihiga county has been closed indefinitely for the second time this year, following unrest and destruction of school property.
Mbale High School in Vihiga county has been closed indefinitely for the second time this year, following unrest and destruction of school property.
The latest closure that happened on Wednesday has triggered an outcry from education stakeholders in Vihiga County.
KUPPET Vihiga branch Executive Secretary Sabala Inyeni, has called for urgent investigations into the crisis, insisting that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) must probe and come up with a detailed report on the cause of the unrest.
He described the students’ demands as minor issues that could have been easily addressed and warned that possible external interference may be influencing the students’ unruly behavior.
“We need to examine if there’s external incitement contributing to this conduct,” Inyeni said, urging the community and all stakeholders must come together to restore normalcy.
His Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) counterpart Maurice Chalenga echoed these concerns, terming the situation as deeply troubling.
The school has experienced several disturbing incidents lately, including arson and student riots, which have severely disrupted learning.
Chalenga expressed concern, urging security agencies, including the County administration, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to step in and get to the bottom of the crisis.
“This is no longer just a school problem; it is becoming a national issue,” he said.
“We must establish whether the problem is internal or external. Any form of incitement, whether by teachers, non-teaching staff, or even parents, must be thoroughly investigated.”
Chalenga further appealed to the Ministry of Education to lead a comprehensive probe into the matter.
Martha Karua clarifies eyeing Speaker role in 2027 opposition lineup
Moody’s sends warning to Kenya over debt
Former MP’s son brutally murdered by unknown assailants
US Embassy issues warning to visa applicants
Pastor Dorcas responds to Kimani Ichung’wah over controversial remarks
According to reliable sources, the school suffered significant property damage in the latest unrest.
“Only last month, the institution was closed following another incident where students vandalised a newly repaired computer lab. In that case, parents were forced to shoulder the cost, with each paying Sh12,500, while the parents of those directly involved were charged Sh30,000 each,” he said.
“I am shocked by the behaviour of the students. They have destroyed school property, some of which had just been repaired. This calls for a serious conversation to understand what is triggering this wave of unrest,” Chalenga stressed.
He warned that the indefinite closure has not only resulted in the loss of a full academic term but also tarnished the image of one of the region’s most respected institutions.
The repercussions, he said, extend beyond academics, with school staff potentially going unpaid and parents incurring heavy financial burdens.
“Parents are now being forced to pay full-term fees and also cover damages, despite their children not learning. It’s a double loss,” he added.
As the school remains shut, education officials, parents, teachers, and security agencies are expected to convene soon to chart the way forward.
Babu Owino vows to run for Nairobi Governor solo if ODM blocks him
WHO sounds alarm over virus outbreak
CJ Koome speaks on claims of influencing terrorism charges on protesters
Juja MP George Koimburi charged with staging own abduction
Opposition to launch ‘parallel IEBC’ to prevent election rigging
Follow us
