Learning disrupted as arson attacks hit Gatundu South schools
According to Gatundu South Member of Parliament, Gabriel Kagombe, the decision to close all boarding schools was arrived at to prevent further destruction.
Learning has been disrupted in Gatundu South Constituency, Kiambu County, following the indefinite closure of all boarding schools after a series of arson attacks.
According to Gatundu South Member of Parliament, Gabriel Kagombe, the decision to close all boarding schools was arrived at to prevent further destruction.
“Tumekuwa na mambo mengi ya moto na hivyo tumeafikiana watoto wote wa shule za mabweni kwanza waende nyumbani ndiposa tuweze kufanya upelelezi kwa kina ndio tuwezi kujua ni wapi na nani anayepanga mambo haya,” said Kagombe.
Translation: We have had many hot issues and so we have agreed that all the children from boarding schools should first go home so that we can conduct a thorough investigation so that we can know where and who is organizing these things.
In the past week alone, four institutions have lost dormitories and other school structures to suspicious fires, raising alarm among administrators and residents. Kagombe revealed that the intelligence gathered so far points to online platforms being used to coordinate the arson plots.
“Tumepata information ya kwmaba ni mambo yanapangwa kupitia mtanadao ya kijamii,”Kagombe added.
Translation: We have received information that things are being planned through social media.
According to preliminary investigations, students are suspected of coordinating the attacks via social media platforms, particularly Instagram.
The alleged grievances ranged from complaints over strict frisking rules upon reopening to tough examination regulations, and even demands to have reporting hours pushed to between noon and 4 p.m.
At least 25 students have been arrested in connection with the incidents and are expected to be arraigned in court today.
Education stakeholders are now calling for swift action to prevent further disruptions as students prepare for national examinations.
Parents in Gatundu South are now grappling with uncertainty as they wait for answers and new dates for learning resumption.
