Leseru principal arrested sparking protests from teachers' unions

A school principal in Eldoret was arrested and questioned over a dormitory fire incident in his school on Wednesday night.

Leseru Boys High School Principal Shadrack Ngetich was picked up by police after a fire razed down a dormitory at the school on Wednesday night.

Eldoret West Officer Commanding police Division Samuel Mutunga confirmed that the principal had been arrested following claims the school administration could have been involved in the incident. 

"We arrested the principal to assist us with investigation. We have some crucial clues that the school administration was involved in the incident. Our officers are piecing evidence together but we have released him on a free bond," Mr Mutunga said.

However, Uasin Gishu Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Executive Secretary Elijah Maiyo and Knut Executive Secretary Sammy Bor said it was wrong for police to arrest the principal.

"School heads cannot be victimised in relation to fire incidents in schools. Principals are the custodians of school operations, they cannot be the prime suspects. Let the Government investigate the cause of fire in the institution and stop targeting teachers," said Maiyo.

Over 100 union members, chanting solidarity songs, stormed Eldoret Police Station demanding the release of the principal. Bor termed the arrest as unfortunate and urged the State to review the curriculum to avoid putting students under pressure.