Litein Boys High School in Bureti constituency was thrown into turmoil on Sunday night after a student protest spiraled into a violent rampage, leaving behind destruction worth millions. What began as a disagreement over being denied the chance to watch a soccer match soon erupted into an unprecedented night of lawlessness.
Students vandalized laboratories, tore down the main gate, destroyed CCTV cameras, and set parts of the administration block ablaze. Books and furniture were scattered across the compound, while graffiti on walls carried chilling threats against Principal Richard Sang and his deputy, Mr. Mutai.
In one of the night’s most shocking acts, a group of students paraded the school’s prized cow, riding it around the compound like a rodeo show. Images of the bizarre spectacle quickly went viral, sparking disbelief across the country.
By morning, the once-proud institution lay in ruins. Parents, summoned to assess the damage, were overwhelmed by despair, fearing they would be forced once again to shoulder the financial burden of repairs.
“This is the worst we’ve seen in years,” lamented Kennedy Cheruiyot, a parent. “For the last three years, Litein Boys has had repeated strikes, but nothing compares to this destruction.”
Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai, himself an alumnus of the school, strongly condemned the incident, questioning the logic of destroying property over a football match. “What is the relationship between being denied to watch soccer and razing down buildings—even riding a cow like a horse?” he asked.
KUPPET’s Kericho Executive Secretary Mary Rotich stressed that discipline begins at home, urging parents to instill values before schools are blamed. Former Roads Minister Franklin Bett, who oversaw the construction of the destroyed block, called for an independent investigation, suggesting possible external influences behind the unrest.
With national exams around the corner, education stakeholders fear the strike could derail KCSE preparations. Former principal John Rop warned that the disruptions might compromise the candidates’ futures if urgent action is not taken.
The Litein Boys incident has once again reignited debate on student discipline, parental responsibility, and the rising culture of school unrest in Kenya. Unless tackled decisively, such episodes threaten not just infrastructure, but the future of learners themselves.
