Students suspended for torching bus

By Stanley Ongwae

Migori, KENYA: More than 500 students of a school in Awendo, Migori County, have been sent home after they allegedly torched their bus.

The irate students of Manyatta High School burnt the mini-bus in the Saturday night incident claiming it was outdated.

On Sunday afternoon, the learners were sent home indefinitely after reducing the mini-bus to a shell.

The rowdy learners complained that the bus was too old and unroadworthy and went on to demand that the school administration buys a new bus.

“We have always been ashamed of the vehicle whenever we go out and other students laugh at us,” a student told The Standard in Awendo Town.

Over ten anti-riot police officers from Awendo Police Station arrived to find the vehicle already burnt.

The police kept watch over the students the whole night to prevent any further damage to property.

Migori deputy OCPD James Mwangi said investigation into the incident had been launched.

“We have started formal investigation into the incident and soon we will have those responsible charged accordingly,” said Mr Mwangi.

He added that they did not know what the students used to set the bus ablaze.

The school’s deputy principal, Caleb Akech, who was on duty at that time, could not be reached for comment.