Litein Boys High School in Kericho County has been closed for the second time in September after renewed threats of a student strike on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The closure came as parents accompanied students back to the school to inspect damages from a violent rampage on September 21, which left millions of shillings’ worth of property destroyed. Tensions flared when parents and students found that Principal Richard Sang had remained in office. Parents also rejected claims by the Board of Management that students bore responsibility for some of the destruction, insisting they would not foot the repair costs.
With just three weeks until the KCSE examinations, parents expressed deep concern over the fate of Form Four candidates.
“We want the national government to intervene and find a way for the Form Four candidates to return and prepare for the KCSE,” said parent Elizabeth Belion.
Widespread Destruction and Arrests
The unrest saw extensive damage to school infrastructure, with videos circulating online showing students cooking inside teachers’ houses and even riding on a cow—images that shocked the local community.
Eight students were arrested and arraigned at the Kericho Law Courts on September 23, and remain in custody as investigations continue.
Leaders Call for Tougher Action
The violence has drawn sharp condemnation from local leaders. Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot urged the Ministry of Education to consider reintroducing corporal punishment, while Belgut MP Nelson Koech called for severe legal consequences.
“Those who led the Litein strikes should face the full force of the law for arson and thereafter be placed in approved institutions,” Koech stated.
Uncertain Future for Candidates
As investigations proceed, parents and community leaders are pressing the government for urgent solutions that will allow final-year students to resume classes and sit their exams without disruption.
For now, however, Litein Boys High School remains shut, its gates symbolizing the tension between discipline, accountability, and the urgent need to safeguard students’ education.
