Pokot student dies as rioting schoolmates demand principal's removal

Chesta Teachers Training College was closed indefinitely yesterday after protesting students demanded the removal of their principal.PHOTO: COURTESY

A 22-year-old student collapsed and died shortly after riots forced the closure of a teachers' training college.

Chesta Teachers Training College was closed indefinitely yesterday after protesting students demanded the removal of their principal.

The students destroyed college property before marching to the sub-county commissioner's office.

The students demanded the removal of John Serum, whom they accused of mismanaging the institution.

But Mr Serum blamed local politicians for the riots, accusing them of inciting students.

"The riots were politically motivated. The students want the Teachers Training College to be headed by a person from their community," he said.

Serum confirmed the death of one student, saying she had been unwell and may have died from exhaustion during the riots.

Pokot Central Sub-County Commissioner Geofrey Kithinji appealed to the local community to stop politicising the running of the college, saying it was a national institution.