Kericho Governor Condemns Litein Boys High School Unrest as “Monumental Disappointment”

Kericho, Kenya — September 22, 2025, 14:30 EAT.

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai has strongly condemned the violent unrest that erupted at Litein Boys High School on Sunday night, leaving classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories destroyed and forcing administrators to close the school indefinitely.

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Speaking during a live interview on a local TV station on Monday, September 22, Mutai—himself an alumnus of the prestigious institution—described the events as a “huge monumental disappointment” for the school, the county, and the country at large.

Authorities confirmed that the unrest caused property damage worth millions of shillings, injured a watchman, and disrupted preparations for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Police used tear gas to disperse the students, and learning remains suspended as investigations continue.

Context in Brief

• Repeat incidents: This is the third case of unrest at Litein Boys High School in two years. Similar strikes in July and 2023 led to extensive property destruction and prompted earlier calls for improved discipline measures.

• National pattern: Student unrest has been rising across Kenya, often linked to exam anxiety, rigid school rules, or grievances over administration decisions. The Education Ministry has previously issued circulars warning against strikes but critics argue that systemic issues remain unaddressed.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Education Act, 2013: Mandates school boards to maintain discipline and allows the Education Ministry to intervene when public safety is at risk.

• Penal Code Sections 85–96: Provide penalties for destruction of property, assault, and other offences likely to arise from violent unrest.

• Next Steps: Investigations by police, county security teams, and the Teachers Service Commission will determine whether students, staff, or external actors bear responsibility.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Governor Eric Mutai: “As an alumnus of that institution, I condemn the actions that took place. This was a monumental disappointment not only to me but to the people of Kenya,” Mutai said, pledging county support for rebuilding efforts.

• Education Officials: The County Education Board is expected to issue a report on causes of the unrest and recommend disciplinary or structural reforms.

• Parents & Teachers Associations: Early reactions indicate parents want better counselling services for students and improved communication between administrations and learners.

Evidence & Data

• Damage Estimate: Initial assessments indicate losses in the millions of shillings; exact figures to be released after full audits.

• KCSE Impact: Over 300 candidates at the school face disrupted revision schedules with exams weeks away.

• Historical Record: 2023 and July 2025 unrest incidents also caused heavy losses but did not result in long-term school closure.

Risks and Implications

• Education Disruption: Prolonged closure could undermine KCSE readiness and academic performance.

• Public Funds: Millions in reconstruction costs will likely fall on taxpayers.

• Security Concerns: Rising cases of school unrest may force tighter surveillance and disciplinary measures nationwide.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• The specific trigger for the September 21 unrest.

• Whether students acted alone or were influenced by external parties.

• What disciplinary or criminal actions will follow against perpetrators.

• Whether national reforms on school discipline will be fast-tracked in response.

Timeline

• 2023: First major unrest incident at Litein Boys High School; property destroyed.

• July 2025: Second incident of violence disrupts learning; damages partially repaired.

• September 21, 2025: Third unrest incident leads to indefinite closure.

• September 22, 2025: Governor Mutai condemns events; investigations launched.

What to Watch

• Ministry of Education’s official report on causes and recommendations.

• County Assembly motions on school safety funding.

• Potential national policy changes on boarding school governance and counselling support.

Editor’s Note: This story will be updated as more details emerge from investigations by police, education authorities, and county officials.