Several students from Samoei Boys High School in Nandi County were arrested after a night of unrest that shook the school premises. Witnesses report that the riots began around 8 PM on Wednesday when a group of form four students attempted to set school buildings on fire.
The unrest is believed to have been triggered by frustrations over alleged denial of access to leaked exam papers and the strict monitoring of students during the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE). Residents near the school described hearing loud screams as the students threatened to destroy property and set parts of the school ablaze.
Police officers from Nandi Police Station, who were on high alert, quickly intervened, dispersing the rioting students using tear gas canisters. Locals reported hearing the loud bangs of the gas as calm was gradually restored. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the confrontation. Several students linked to the unrest were arrested for questioning.
The incident occurs as KCSE exams continue across the country, with students expected to complete their assessments by Friday. Parents and students have been urged to remain calm as investigations proceed.
This incident follows stern warnings from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who on November 13 highlighted the consequences for those involved in examination malpractice. Ogamba revealed that 78 people, including non-students, had already been arrested for alleged cheating during the KCSE. He emphasized that teachers and exam officials found aiding malpractice risk dismissal and criminal charges.
Ogamba also noted that social media abuse to expose examination contents and cases of impersonation are being actively monitored. “Through evidence-led operations, more culprits will be arrested and subjected to the full force of the law,” he said.
The arrests at Samoei Boys High School serve as a reminder of the government’s zero-tolerance stance on examination misconduct. Authorities continue to monitor schools closely to ensure that the KCSE exams are conducted fairly and without disruption.
