Nyabisase Secondary School in Kisii County has been closed indefinitely following violent student unrest. The closure came after students protested against the posting of a new principal on July 6.
Kisii County Director of Education Philip Chirchir confirmed the shutdown after assessing the situation at the school. He said the unrest caused destruction of property and disrupted learning activities.
Students reject newly transferred principal
The protests reportedly started after students opposed the arrival of a new school head transferred from Mochorwa Secondary School.
Witnesses said learners left their classrooms and began demonstrations within the school compound. Videos from the scene showed groups of students confronting teachers during the chaos.
Some students appeared to cover their faces as tensions escalated inside the institution.
Teachers escape as violence spreads
The unrest later turned violent, with teachers forced to flee from the compound. Students armed with stones reportedly chased members of staff during the confrontation.
Attempts by school administrators to calm the situation failed as the protests continued. Security officers later arrived at the school to restore order and contain the situation.
Dormitory set ablaze
The situation worsened when a group of students allegedly stormed a dormitory and set it on fire. The incident caused extensive damage to school property, according to authorities.
Police officers who responded to the scene began investigations into the destruction. Authorities are also working to identify students who took part in the violence.
Questions raised over unrest
The reason behind the rejection of the new principal remains under investigation. Some stakeholders claimed that students were influenced by outside individuals, including parents.
Nancy Omweri, a local stakeholder, accused some parents of encouraging students to reject the new administrator. She questioned why students would destroy property that would eventually affect the same community.
School awaits reopening decision
The new principal was appointed following the retirement of former head David Ogega. Ogega had led the school for four years before leaving office.
During his tenure, Nyabisase Secondary earned recognition as one of Kisii County’s top-performing schools.
Following the unrest, education officials ordered students to leave the institution. Police and education authorities are now investigating the incident before deciding when the school will reopen.
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