Cops probe arson attacks in Trans-Nzoia schools

Police officers in Trans-Nzoia County are investigating arson attacks at two schools in the area.

The fire that broke out at St Joseph Boys National School and its neighbour St Joseph Girls School destroyed two dormitories.

The management of the two schools suspected that the fire was started by unknown students during the Tuesday evening incidents.

The fire was first reported at the St Joseph Girls at around 8.00 pm and fire engines from the county government and Khetias drapers managed to control it.

Shortly after the fire at the girls' school was put off, another fire broke at the Boys school which was however not managed as the engines had run out of water.

The principal of St Joseph's Rosebella Muzala Orwaru said she heard screams from the girls and when she came out of her house she found the dormitory on fire.

41 students of the school were rushed to hospital after they fainted and were choked by the smoke.

They were treated and discharged.

At the boy's school, Principal Wilson Yego said the students were attending evening preps when the fire started.

‘We cannot say its an electric fault. We strongly suspect it to be an action by some students, we assure that nobody is going to be spared if found culpable,’’ Yego warned.

 The students from the two institutions had earlier in the day jointly celebrated St Joseph's day before the incidents.

There were claims that the boys' students protested that they had been given enough time to interact with the girls during the event.

County Commissioner Jim Njoka said investigations have been launched into the incidents.

He ruled out that the fires were as a result of electric fault but an arson attack and warned that those responsible will be held accountable.

‘’Preliminary investigation has ruled out an electric fault. This is an arson attack and security agencies will work around the clock to bring to book people responsible,’’ Njoka warned.

The management of the school appealed to the well-wishers to come to the rescue of the institutions.