Lenana Schools Cause of Unrest Revealed

Following the recent unrest in schools, many were curious to know what had transpired the previous night, before students of Lenana School were released to go home until further notice.

Lenana School in Nairobi County was recently temporarily closed following a night of student unrest that broke out during evening preps. The school’s Board of Management and Chief Principal, William Kemei, resolved to release all students to their parents and guardians to restore calm and allow for a thorough assessment of the situation.

According to preceding reports and statements from the school administration, the unrest was sparked by student dissatisfaction regarding the organisation and management of the school’s annual Maroon Festival, a talent showcase event that took place over the preceding weekend.

According to reports, the chaos was triggered by dissatisfaction over the school’s Maroon Fest. Students allegedly contributed Ksh 500 each for the event, but only three schools attended. The stage setup was underwhelming, and the artists who had reportedly been promised did not show up.

The reports indicate that frustration over the event had been building for several years. With prefects reportedly away from the school, some students allegedly switched off and vandalised CCTV cameras, marking the beginning of the unrest. They are also said to have assaulted the principal and caused extensive damage across the school compound. Windows were shattered, leaving broken glass scattered across the grounds. Teachers’ offices were vandalised, and several vehicles were damaged.

Reports further indicate that some students attempted to set fire to documents taken from a teacher’s office, but the attempt was stopped before the fire could spread. The administration block and kitchen were also reportedly vandalised, with significant property damage recorded. One student is said to have sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Witnesses claim that the protestors covered their faces with masks and warned others to stay away from the dormitories, alleging plans to set them ablaze.

The situation eventually de-escalated after riot leaders presented their grievances and demands to the school administration, as narrated by a student from the school.

Following an overnight consultation between the management and students, the decision to close the school became one of the best options, especially after the tragic fire that engulfed 16 students at Utumishi Girls, with a subsequent assessment of property damage by the county government finding window panes across the hall, classrooms and laboratories damaged and several CCTVs broken and switched off. No injuries to the learners and staff were sustained, with all the students being accounted for before leaving the premises.

This incident comes amidst heightened national concern over discipline and safety in Kenyan boarding schools, following similar recent disturbances and tragic infrastructure fires in other learning institutions across the country.

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