A girls high school has been closed indefinitely after a night of unrest triggered by allegations of sexual harassment involving members of the academic staff. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, saw Kaplong Girls high school students go on a rampage protesting what they termed as persistent harassment and unaddressed grievances.
According to a police report, the chaos led to a stampede, during which several students sustained minor injuries. The injured were taken to St. Claire Kaplong Mission Hospital for treatment. School property was also destroyed during the incident, though the full extent of the damage has yet to be disclosed.
Officers from the Sotik Police Station responded promptly to the scene and managed to restore order. The situation remained tense until early Sunday morning when the students were released to return home.
Parents and education stakeholders in Bomet County have since called for an immediate investigation into the allegations. “These are serious claims that must not be ignored. Our daughters need a safe learning environment,” said one concerned parent outside the school gates.
The Ministry of Education is expected to issue a formal statement and initiate an inquiry into both the alleged misconduct and the breakdown of discipline that led to the destruction.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has also been urged to look into the conduct of the accused staff members, with demands growing for swift disciplinary measures if the allegations are confirmed.
This incident adds to a worrying trend of unrest in schools across the country, often sparked by unresolved issues between students and administration.
Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations continue, with assurances that appropriate action will be taken to ensure justice and restore confidence in the institution