Litein Boys Parents Drag School to Court Over Ksh69 Million Damage Bill
A group of parents from Litein Boys High School in Kericho County have taken the school administration to court over what they term as an exorbitant damage fee following the latest student unrest.
Through a court petition, the parents are contesting the school’s decision to charge Ksh49,000 per student, saying the amount is exaggerated and not reflective of the actual damage caused. They claim the administration charges parents every time students go on strike or protests without providing a breakdown of how the money is used.
The petitioners say some of the repair costs including the reconstruction of the burnt dormitory should be funded by the government through the annual capitation funds and not parents.
Represented by lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, the parents have accused the principal and some teachers of allegedly profiteering from the unrest.
“The first strike happened, parents paid without questioning. The second strike, they paid again. Now, during this third incident, parents believe the principal and management may be instigating these strikes for financial gain,” said Danstan Omari.
Wambui questioned the Ksh69 million figure saying it was not transparent and accountable.
“This fine was not determined through a transparent process. It appears to be a criminal enterprise by the school management,” Wambui said.
The petitioners are also demanding a comprehensive list of all items destroyed during the recent chaos and a full audit of the funds collected after previous incidents. They want the administration to be held accountable for how the money has been used.
The court case comes after the school was closed indefinitely on September 21 following violent unrest during which students went on a rampage, torching a dormitory and damaging property worth millions.
Reports indicated that the riot was caused by students opposing plans to sit for joint examinations with neighboring schools. Others said it was triggered by the administration’s decision to ban learners from watching a Premier League football match.
The school has since announced a phased reopening with the first group of students expected to return on October 9.
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Litein Boys Parents Drag School to Court Over Ksh69 Million Damage Bill