Three more secondary schools affected by fire incidents in Kilifi, Nairobi and Kiambu

Ruthimitu Secondary School dormitory on fire.

Three more secondary schools in Kilifi, Nairobi and Kiambu Counties were Tuesday night affected by fire incidents in the latest such attacks.

Those affected were Malindi High in Kilifi, Ruthimitu Secondary in Dagorreti area and Muhoho Secondary in Gatundu South. Police say no one was injured in the incidents and they are yet to know the cause.

A dormitory was burnt down in Malindi and Ruthimitu schools while six classes were reduced to ashes at Muhoho. Fire engines were mobilized there but could not contain the spread as it had already destroyed property. A number of students at the schools are targeted for grilling to establish the cause of the fires. There have been systematic fire incidents affecting now over 70 schools in the country. The government says more than 6,000 students have been sent home in the fire incidents that were reported in Kisii, Meru, Machakos, Kericho, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Uasin Gishu, Nyamira, Siaya, Kitui, Nakuru, Migori, Muranga, Kiambu, Kilifi and Bungoma Counties.

More than 100 students have been arrested in the incidents.

This indicates the incidents are spread all over. There is pressure on education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to take bold measures in containing the spread of the incidents.

Matiang’i says both his ministry and that of interior have set up probe teams to pursue the matter.

Parliament adjourned Tuesday evening to discuss the issue amid complaints the CS was not serious in handling the menace. Some head teachers who have over stayed at their stations, clan politics and indiscipline have been cited as part of the possible causes of the fires.