Schools in Siaya County close after fire attacks

A number of schools in Siaya County have closed down indefinitely following a spiralling wave fire incidents attributed to arson attacks. Read (Maranda High School closed after dorm fire)

Barding Secondary School closed on Sunday morning after a suspected arsonist armed with a jerrycan of fuel was spotted next to one of the school dormitories on Saturday night.

School Principal Victor Makanda said the suspect escaped lynching by irate students and jumped over the fence, leaving behind his deadly consignment.

He said they closed the school because they feared the suspect could return and harm students.

Maranda High School, which topped in last year’s KCSE exams, on Thursday sent their students home after suspected arsonists razed two dormitories at the school.

Their neighbours, Nyamira Girls High School, followed suit hours later over fears of being targeted by arsonists.

Catholic-sponsored Mbaga Girls High School also closed down on Friday after school principal Sarah Adipo allegedly received threatening messages from unknown people.

St Mary’s School Yala Principal John Awiti told Nation that because the motive of those that attacked Maranda had not been known, they could not risk having their students in school.

“The rate at which they have attacked raises eyebrows and has caused fear among us,” he said.

Other schools that also closed for fear of being invaded by the arsonists include Ng’iya Girls and Aluor Girls.

Most of these schools had allowed their students to report for Third Term despite a pay deal on Sunday between the government and teachers that is expected to end the three week strike on Monday.

“Our students have been revising on their own and sitting continuous assessment tests,” said Maranda Deputy Principal Bob Otieno.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the Maranda fire incidents and are assisting Bondo police with investigations.

One of them was found in the school compound dressed in the prefect’s uniform and he was seriously injured by the angry students.