Drug abuse linked to Garissa High School arson

Drugs and substance abuse among students and unwillingness by teachers and learners to volunteer information to investigators have been blamed for an arson attack at Garissa High School two weeks ago.

A dormitory was burnt at the school in a second fire.

A meeting between the board of management, teachers and the county security team was held on Saturday.

It emerged that a raft of recommendations was given by the security team and BoM, including clearing of a thicket within the school playing field where notorious students use to hide to abuse drugs.

County commissioner Boaz Cherutich, who is the chair of the county security team, said that it was the responsibility of the parents, teachers, BOM and the students themselves to find a lasting solution to the problem.

“As we move forward, I want to urge parents and teachers to fully cooperate and avoid blame game on this matter. At the end of the day our children have to be in class and learning to continue. The school has to move forward,” the county commissioner said.

He requested the principal to ensure all the students reside in the school to avoid sneaking of harmful substances, including petrol which the government chemist confirmed was used in the first incident.

Two weeks ago, Northeastern regional commissioner Nicodemus Ndalana toured Garissa High School to assess the fire damage in one of the dormitories.

He said stern action would be taken against those destroying school or college property.

“Investigations are ongoing into the arson attacks and those who were involved will be prosecuted. This will serve as a deterrent to others,” Ndalana said.

Last week, the NEP Girls High School board of management temporarily closed the institution's boarding wing after a fire razed down a dormitory on Sunday.

The board suspended the boarding wing because 80 per cent of the boarders could operate from home. They will temporarily become day scholars.

The decision was among recommendations made after a crisis meeting.

Commenting on the schools unrest, PCEA head Rev Patrick Mutahi said the violence in schools was a true reflection of how rotten the society has become.

Mutahi who spoke at Madogo PCEA church in Tana River blamed p[arents for abdicating their responsibilities, leading to indiscipline among children.

Edited by Henry Makori