Friends School Mbale Students Sent Home Indefinitely After Riot Over Denied LaLiga Match Viewing
Students of Friends School Mbale in Vihiga County were sent home indefinitely following a violent rampage on the night of Sunday, May 25, 2025, after they were reportedly denied permission to watch the final matches of the Spanish LaLiga. The incident resulted in significant destruction of school property and left at least 11 students injured.
According to reports, the unrest erupted when students expressed outrage at the administration’s decision to bar them from viewing the highly anticipated LaLiga final day matches. Images circulated by flashnews.co.ke depict widespread damage across the school compound, including shattered glass windows, torn books, and vandalized facilities such as classrooms, offices, and food stores.
Particularly extensive damage was inflicted on the deputy principal’s office, who is believed to have played a role in the decision that sparked the unrest. As of Monday afternoon, the school administration had not released an official statement addressing the incident.
Sabatia Member of Parliament Clement Sloya strongly condemned the students’ actions in a public statement issued on Monday, asserting that such behavior is unacceptable in educational settings.
“I wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the recent riot at Mbale Boys High School, which resulted in chaos, destruction, and injuries,” said the MP.
He continued,
“Such acts of indiscipline have no place in our learning institutions and must be denounced by all stakeholders in the education sector. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, growth, and character development, not grounds for lawlessness and unrest.”
The MP assured the public that a comprehensive and impartial investigation would be conducted to determine the underlying causes of the chaos. He emphasized that those responsible would be held accountable, while also acknowledging the need to listen to any legitimate grievances the students may have had.
Law enforcement officers from Kilingili, Chavakali, and Mbale police stations responded swiftly to quell the unrest, restoring order without any fatalities. MP Sloya lauded their coordination and effectiveness in handling the volatile situation.
The injured students were treated at Vihiga County Referral Hospital, with medical expenses reportedly covered by the MP.
As investigations continue, Friends School Mbale remains closed indefinitely. Stakeholders await a formal response from the school’s administration and hope that the findings will lead to constructive dialogue and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future. The situation has also reignited conversations about student engagement, discipline, and communication in Kenyan secondary schools.
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Friends School Mbale Students Sent Home Indefinitely After Riot Over Denied LaLiga Match Viewing