Kaplong Girls High School in Bomet County has been closed indefinitely following a night of unrest sparked by allegations of sexual harassment involving members of the teaching staff. The protest, which turned chaotic, led to minor injuries among students and damage to school property.
The school’s principal, Clara Mitei, confirmed the closure on Sunday morning, citing the need to restore calm after the unrest. “The report about the school closure is true following the students’ unrest last night,” Mitei said. “We released the students to go home at 7am today after they became unruly and disrupted school operations.”
According to initial reports, the protest began after students raised concerns over alleged inappropriate behavior by some academic staff. These claims, coupled with other grievances, led to a spontaneous demonstration that escalated quickly, resulting in a stampede. Several students sustained minor injuries and were treated at St. Claire Kaplong Mission Hospital.
Police and education officials were called to the scene as the situation deteriorated. Though no serious injuries were reported, the disruption caused significant concern among parents and community members. School property was also damaged in the melee, although the full extent is yet to be determined.
Authorities have launched investigations into the allegations of sexual harassment and the events that led to the protest. Bomet County education officials have pledged to take appropriate action based on the findings and have assured stakeholders that student safety and wellbeing remain a top priority.
This incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of policies against sexual misconduct in learning institutions. Parents and civil society groups are demanding swift justice and protective measures to ensure schools remain safe environments for students.
As of now, no timeline has been provided for the school’s reopening, and no details have been released regarding possible disciplinary actions against the accused staff.
The closure leaves hundreds of students in uncertainty, as authorities and school management work to resolve the crisis and chart a way forward. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has urged calm and patience as investigations continue.
