Tuition disrupted as fire guts Tigoi Girls' High school in suspected arson attack

A policeman tries to put off afire at Tigoi high school on Wednesday, 26th Aug, 2015. The students were attending holiday tuition when the fire broke out. [PHOTOS: ERIC LUNGAI/STARNDARD]

Tigoni: Holiday tuition at Tigoi Girls High school was disrupted after six classrooms and a games’ store were reduced to ashes in a suspected arson attack.

The computer laboratory was also affected in the Wednesday evening inferno that occurred when students were having supper.

Property of unknown value was destroyed by the fire.

The classes were holding equipment for students who are on holiday, and due to report next week.

According to students who spoke to The Standard, they spotted some smoke emanating from one building before they rushed to the scene to find the classrooms on fire.

“There was no teacher in school when the fire broke out. Villagers helped put out the fire before it could spread to nearby classrooms,” a student said.

Teachers at the school said they were expecting all their students this week to commence the holiday tuition.

“Form Three and Four were supposed to report on Thursday, while some  students from other classes had already reported.

“Those who reported earlier had their property saved as they had removed them from the classes that burned,” a teacher said.

Early re-opening

The school’s Deputy Principal, Mildred Lidejere, confirmed that no teacher was in school at the time.

She was at a nearby market place when the incident took place.

School Principal Emily Wetuyi, who was away on duty and reported to school yesterday mid-morning, said a suspected electric fault may have caused the fire.

Parents who visited the school yesterday morning said they had just paid Sh2,500 for the one week holiday tuition that commenced early this week.

“The school management agreed that since our students went home early to allow those who were participating in the National Music Festival in Kisumu to use our school, we would allow our students to attend a one-week holiday tuition,” said James Luziga, a parent.