Sh4m property destroyed in suspected arson at Bomet school

At Matarmat primary school in Bomet East what remains are ashes and smoke billowing from the debris of scattered textbooks in a fire incident that gutted the main administration block on Thursday night.

As we arrive at the school, hapless pupils continue to sieve through the burnt books at what was their library turned ashes.

Property estimated to be worth Sh4 million is said to have been destroyed in the 8 pm suspected arson which burnt the headteacher's office, a staff room, classroom and a library.

No one here seems to know what may have started the fire.

School's deputy headteacher Edna Sang told us she left at 5.30 pm after all pupils had been released.

Electricity had just been connected to the school and a transformer installed at the compound but it is yet to be energized.

"I left here when all the pupils had disbursed in fact after the headteacher had left...we really do not understand what caused the fire, I am in shock," Sang said.

No one really knows what exactly started it. Education and security officials visited the scene Friday morning to access the situation as they try to unravel this mystery.

No suspects have been arrested though.

Matarmat, as the name suggests and loosely translated means 'fire does not finish, is now a subject of discussion among other locals who are mulling a change in the name of the school and even the whole village.

Bomet East MP Beatrice Kones who visited the school said the extent of damages was grave hence the need for urgent intervention measures so that pupils can continue with the learning uninterrupted.

She said as her office through the National Government Constituency Development Fund will fund the construction of the building.

She also appealed for support from well-wishers in the donation of books and construction of the structure.

Edited by D Tarus