Litein Boys High School in Kericho County has been closed indefinitely following a violent student strike that erupted on Sunday night, just weeks before the start of KCSE examinations.
Kericho East OCPD Benedict Chirchir confirmed the incident, adding that students had attempted to break into the neighbouring AIC Litein Girls’ School during the chaos.
The decision to close the school came after consultations with the administration, security agencies, and education officials to safeguard students and staff.
The unrest reportedly began around 9:00 p.m. when learners complained about poorly cooked rice served during dinner. What started as minor grumbling quickly escalated into full-scale rioting.
Students smashed windows, threw stones, and vandalized the school’s main gate. The school watchman was attacked and forced to flee, while some facilities, including classrooms and offices, were set on fire.
In an effort to restore order, officers from Litein Police Station and Bureti Sub-County used tear gas to disperse the students. Many tried to escape the compound, and others attempted to dismantle the school’s perimeter fence.
Kericho County Criminal Investigations Officer Ethaiba Mwenda confirmed extensive damage, including four destroyed classrooms, broken windows, and partial fire damage to the library and computer laboratories.
Litein Boys High has experienced similar unrest earlier this year in July, when students rioted over welfare concerns and poor-quality meals, highlighting ongoing disciplinary challenges at the school.
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