Police pursue arson lead in Makueni school fires

Makueni school fires

Police are investigating possible arson in cases of three school fires in Kibwezi West Constituency.

Kikumini Secondary School is the latest case, with one of its dormitories going up in flames on Saturday night. Kyemundu and Good Shepard Girls Secondary School were burnt last week.

Nzaui OCPD Patrick Olonyi said they suspected arson in the Kikumini case after some boys were reportedly overheard planning to start the fire following an incident at Good Shepard Girls, a neighbouring school.

Olonyi however said the investigation was hampered by the school's reluctance to present names of the suspects to poilce for questioning.

“No one is ready to share vital information with us, it has been hard to hold anyone accountable,” he said.

He said in the Kyemundu Secondary School case, some boys were taken in for interrogations and they recorded statements.

Reports that Kikumini students stopped locals who had turned up to help put out the fire has fueled speculation that they could have started the fire. Many students lost their personal belongings.