Litein Boys Secondary School in Kericho County has been closed indefinitely following a violent student protest that erupted on Wednesday night. The students reportedly went on a rampage over poor food quality and other unresolved welfare issues.
According to Kericho County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Ethaiba Mwenda, the unrest began around 9 PM and quickly escalated as students allegedly attacked the school’s night guard with stones, forcing him to flee into the darkness for safety.
“The students destroyed four classrooms, a section of the perimeter fence, and other school properties during the protest,” Mwenda confirmed, adding that the damage is estimated at over KSh 200,000.
One of the key complaints raised by the students was the serving of undercooked rice, which they claim had been an ongoing issue. The protest turned chaotic as tensions boiled over, leading to widespread destruction.
Mwenda noted that the police were called in to restore order and prevent further damage. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Authorities suspect that the students may have been incited to cause the unrest, and investigations are currently underway to identify those responsible. “Once we establish the identities of those behind the chaos, they will be arrested and charged in court,” Mwenda stated.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) team in Bureti Sub-county is handling the matter. Mwenda also said efforts are ongoing to trace the night guard who went missing during the chaos, although he is believed to have escaped unharmed.
The incident highlights growing concerns about student welfare in public boarding schools, with calls for school administrations to take complaints seriously before they escalate. The indefinite closure of Litein Boys means that learning has been suspended, and students will remain home until further notice.
Education stakeholders in the region have called for dialogue between students, teachers, and education officials to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Ministry of Education is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
