Suspected arsonist burns Shanderema Boys dorm in Kakamega

Police in Kakamega County are investigating an incident where a suspected arsonist is reported to have slipped into the Shanderema Boys Secondary School compound unnoticed and set a dormitory on fire.

Thirty-eight students had nowhere to sleep Tuesday night following the fire.

Their bedding, books and other personal effects were destroyed in the inferno.

SLIGHT BURNS

One student sustained slight burns while trying to salvage his box from the dormitory but he was reported to be in stable condition.

The arsonist is suspected to have taken advantage of the loud music which was being played at a funeral in a home neighbouring the school and sneaked into compound through a fence and lit the fire.

The school’s principal, Mr Simon Wetanga, said night guards raised the alarm after they noticed smoke billowing from the building.

“One of the night guards said he saw a man fleeing from the dormitory and jump across the fence. We suspect the man could be responsible for starting the fire but police are investigating the incident,” said Mr Wetanga.

STUDENTS IN CLASS

He said at the time the fire was detected, all the students were in class for evening studies.

“We have not had any issues with our students and we suspect the fire could be the work of an arsonist,” said Mr Wetanga.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Kakamega East Sub-County and educations officials visited the school on Wednesday afternoon to assess the damage and record statements.

Parents were Wednesday streaming into the school after learning of the fire incident.

The school is located in Ileho along the Nandi escarpment.