Ingotse Boys in Kakamega closed indefinitely after violent night rampage

Ingotse High School on fire /HANDOUT

Ingotse Boys High School has been closed indefinitely after a violent student protest erupted on the night of May 20, leaving property destroyed and learning activities paralysed at the institution.

The unrest, which reportedly began late at night, saw students go on a rampage within the school compound, vandalising key facilities and causing panic among staff and nearby residents.

According to reports, a section of the learners stormed several buildings, breaking windows, damaging doors, and destroying school property before some students allegedly staged a walkout from the institution in the middle of the night.

Among the most affected facilities was the school library, which sustained extensive damage during the chaos. Preliminary reports indicate that parts of the library were set on fire, destroying books, furniture and learning materials.

Videos and photographs shared online showed smoke rising from sections of the school compound as residents and authorities attempted to contain the situation.

School management announced the immediate closure of the institution on May 21, directing all students to vacate the premises as investigations into the incident commenced.

Parents and guardians were informed to pick up their children while authorities moved in to restore calm at the school.

Education officials and police officers visited the institution on Thursday morning to assess the extent of the destruction and begin investigations into what may have triggered the unrest.

By Thursday afternoon, authorities had not yet released an official statement confirming the exact cause of the protest.

However, reports suggest that investigators are examining possible grievances among students, including disciplinary issues and internal school concerns, which are often linked to unrest in learning institutions across the country.

Officials are also expected to question students, teachers and school administrators as part of the ongoing investigations.

The incident has shocked residents, with many expressing concern over the rising cases of student unrest in secondary schools across Kenya.

The destruction at Ingotse Boys comes at a time when several schools in different parts of the country have recently experienced strikes, arson attacks and property vandalism.

Earlier this month, other schools, including Ambira Boys High School and Kaumoni Boys High School, also reported cases of unrest that led to the destruction of school property worth millions of shillings.

Education stakeholders have continued to call for stronger counselling programmes, improved communication between students and administrators, and tighter security measures in schools to prevent similar incidents.

Meanwhile, reports circulating in local media indicate that several students linked to the Ingotse incident could face legal action.

Citizen TV reported that nine students connected to the alleged arson attack were remanded for 14 days pending a court hearing. Authorities are yet to officially confirm the identities of the suspects or provide further details regarding the charges.

Residents and parents are now waiting for guidance from education authorities on when the school will reopen and what measures will be taken to restore normal learning at the institution.

Investigations into the incident are ongoing as officials work to establish the full extent of the damage and those responsible for the destruction.