Image of the Kibabii boys National school gate tonight…Photo/IP
BUNGOMA, Kenya
Students of Kibabii Boys National School poured into the streets of Tuuti market in Bungoma on Tuesday night to allegedly protest the transfer of Chief Principal Nicodemus Ogeto, triggering running battles with police and leaving parts of the area damaged and tense.
The students were protesting Ogeto’s reported transfer to Goseta Boys High School, a move they said they had not been consulted on and strongly opposed.
Witnesses said the night demonstrations quickly turned chaotic as police officers fired teargas to disperse the crowd.
Students were seen lighting bonfires and blocking nearby roads as officers attempted to restore order .
“There was shouting everywhere and smoke all over the road,” said one resident living near the school, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals. “The students were angry, and the police responded with teargas almost immediately.”
Another resident described the situation as volatile and frightening. “We could hear explosions and see students running in different directions. Some property has been damaged. People are scared it could escalate further,” the resident said, also speaking on condition of anonymity.
Authorities had not immediately issued an official statement on the transfer or the extent of the damage by late Tuesday night.
It was not immediately clear whether any injuries or arrests had been reported.
The unrest left sections around the school under heavy police presence, with tensions remaining high as officers maintained patrols to prevent further escalation.
