LITEIN BOYS HIGH SCHOOL CLOSED INDEFINITELY

Litein Boys High School in Kericho County has been closed indefinitely following a student riot on Sunday night that resulted in the destruction of school property. The closure comes just weeks before the start of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, raising concerns for the students preparing for the crucial tests.
According to police and education officials, the unrest, which began around 9 PM, was reportedly triggered by student complaints about the poor quality of food, specifically a serving of undercooked rice. What started as a protest in the dining hall quickly escalated into a violent rampage.
During the chaos, students allegedly vandalized classrooms, dormitory windows, and a section of the dining hall. Desks were overturned, books were scattered, and light fixtures were smashed. The school watchman was reportedly attacked with stones and forced to flee for his safety.
Kericho East OCPD Benedict Chirchir confirmed the incident, stating that police were called to the scene to restore order and prevent further destruction. He also noted that the students had attempted to break into the neighboring AIC Litein Girls' school.
A joint decision to close the institution was made by the school's Board of Management, local security, and education officials to ensure the safety of students and staff and to allow for an investigation into the matter. Parents have been advised to pick up their children as the school assesses the damage and determines a way forward.
This incident is not the first for Litein Boys, which has a history of student unrest. Previous closures occurred in 2021 and 2023, with students citing issues of "high-handedness" by the administration and other grievances. The indefinite closure leaves hundreds of students out of school at a critical time in the academic year.