CS Ogamba Orders Full Probe Into Nyabisase School Violence as Students Face Legal Action
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the violent unrest at Nyabisase Mixed Secondary School in Kisii County, warning that students found responsible for the destruction of school property will face legal consequences.
Speaking during a government event in Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, on Thursday, Ogamba strongly condemned the violence, saying the government would not tolerate acts of indiscipline that threaten the safety of learners, teachers and school communities.
His remarks come after days of chaos at Nyabisase Mixed Secondary School in Bobasi Constituency, where students protesting the appointment of a new principal allegedly clashed with teachers before setting one of the school’s dormitories ablaze.
The unrest forced the indefinite closure of the institution as education officials and police launched investigations into the incident and assessed the extent of the damage.
Addressing the matter, Ogamba said the government was determined to ensure those behind the violence are held accountable while also seeking long-term solutions to the growing cases of student unrest witnessed across the country.
“The law will take its full course on that incident. This time we need to go deeper and establish the root cause of these challenges so that we can resolve them because we do not want a situation where schools are experiencing indiscipline, or students are torching dormitories,” Ogamba said.
The Education CS stressed that disciplinary measures alone would not be enough, noting that authorities must understand the underlying factors driving students to engage in violent protests.
He warned that any learner found culpable after investigations would face appropriate legal and disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
Chaos Over Principal Transfer
Preliminary reports indicate that the unrest erupted after students opposed the posting of a new principal transferred from Mochorwa Secondary School.
Attempts by teachers and school administrators to calm the learners reportedly failed, with the situation escalating into violence.
Videos widely shared on social media showed students, some with their faces concealed, pelting stones while teachers fled to safety. The confrontation later culminated in the torching of a dormitory, prompting emergency intervention by police and local authorities.
Following the incident, education officials ordered the immediate closure of the school to allow investigations and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Growing Concern Over School Unrest
The Nyabisase incident is the latest in a series of disturbances reported in schools across Kenya in recent months.
Several learning institutions have experienced strikes, destruction of property and dormitory fires, disrupting learning and raising fresh concerns over student discipline and the effectiveness of existing intervention measures.
Ogamba acknowledged the worrying trend, saying the Ministry of Education is now placing greater emphasis on identifying the social, psychological and administrative issues contributing to unrest in schools.
He maintained that understanding the root causes would be critical in developing sustainable solutions rather than merely responding to incidents after they occur.
Government Pushes Equal Learning Opportunities
Also speaking during the Mukurwe-ini event, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government remains committed to ensuring learners across the country enjoy equal educational opportunities regardless of their geographical location or background.
Another government official at the event added that the administration’s education agenda extends beyond constructing classrooms and improving infrastructure.
The official said efforts are also being directed towards equipping learners with digital skills from an early age to prepare them for an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The government reiterated that it will continue working with schools, parents, education stakeholders and security agencies to strengthen discipline, improve the learning environment and ensure schools remain safe spaces for both learners and teachers.
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