55 students storm out of school, say their new principal is too strict

About 55 boys from Kaarani Mixed Secondary School in Tharaka Nithi County stormed out of school on Saturday, January 20, 2024 over allegations that their new principal was too strict for them.

The students escaped through the fence and have not reported back to the school, according to the police report.

This was after the new principal reported to the school in October 2023 and introduced new rules that seemed too strict to the learners.

“The officers managed the situation. No property destroyed nor injury reported reported so far,” read part of the police report.

At the same time, the police reported that the remaining students at the school have resumed learning and normal school routine was being followed as scheduled.

Isongo Secondary School gate. Photo: Courtesy

The incident emerged a few days after the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) transferred 17 teachers from St. Gabriel Isongo School in Mumias East, Kakamega County, following an assault on the principal due to poor 2023 KCSE results.

TSC made the decision after parents and students attacked the school principal, locking him out of school over poor results in the 2023 KCSE examination.

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu condemned the attack on the school principal, urging the TSC to either transfer the teachers or ensure their security.

“This must stop. Some head teachers and principals have been threatened. It is shameful,” Oyuu said.

Oyuu expressed concern that teachers at St. Gabriel Isongo School and two other institutions were at risk of facing attacks.