Litein Boys High School in Bureti Constituency, Kericho County, has been closed indefinitely following a violent night of student unrest that left classrooms vandalised, property destroyed, and learning disrupted.
The chaos broke out on Sunday night, with students reportedly vandalising school property, including dormitory windows, classrooms, and parts of the dining hall.
Desks were overturned, books scattered, and light fixtures smashed, leaving a trail of destruction across the compound. Some classrooms and offices were also torched.
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Neighbours said they heard loud commotion, shouting, and banging from the school compound late into the night, prompting police officers from Bureti to rush to the scene.
Confirming the incident, Bureti Sub-County Police Commander said calm was restored by Monday morning and no injuries were reported.
However, eight students were arrested after being found in possession of property allegedly belonging to staff.
Parents have since been asked to pick up their children as the institution undertakes repairs and consults stakeholders to address the grievances behind the unrest.
Area education officials said the closure was necessary to prevent further escalation and to allow investigations.
Florence Chepkirui, a resident of Litein, recounted the tense night: “Tulipofika shule tukaskia watoto wanapiga vitu kabisa. Kitu ilikuwa inatuweka hofu sana, ni ati walikuwa wanataka kuenda Litein Girls.”
Another resident, Gladys Chepkoech, added: “Maaskari kweli walikuwa hapa lakini watoto waliharibu vitu nyingi. Hatutajui ni nini haswa kwa sababu kuna wakati pia walianza hivi lakini haikukua kali kama ya leo.”
Parents have raised alarm over repeated incidents of vandalism, noting that the school has been destroyed four times in the past three years.
Bureti MP Kibet Komingoi pledged that consultations with students, parents, and the board would be held to resolve tensions.
“We are here to listen to the students, we are here to listen to the parent and also the board so that we are able to run the school in a collaborative management style,” he stated.
Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok condemned the destruction, warning students against hooliganism and urging education officials to be more vigilant.
The incident adds to a growing list of student unrest cases across the country, sparking concerns among stakeholders about discipline and the communication gap between learners and school administrations.