Parents of students at Trans Nzoia Secondary School confronted police on Friday over the arrest of several Form Four candidates accused of planning a riot. The minors were detained overnight without informing guardians, raising concerns about due process. With KCSE exams concluding that day, families feared the impact on their children's performance.
On Friday morning, November 21, 2025, parents gathered at a police station in Trans Nzoia County, demanding the immediate release of their children from Trans Nzoia Secondary School. The Form Four students, preparing for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, had been arrested the previous evening, November 20, on suspicion of organizing a disturbance at the school.
The group highlighted procedural lapses, noting that the underage detainees were held in cells overnight without parental notification. 'We were not informed of the arrests, despite the children being minors,' one parent stated, voicing fears amid what she called rising national insecurity. Another father raised health concerns for his asthmatic son, who had left home without warm clothing and endured a cold night in custody. He called for authorities to either charge the boys or set them free, emphasizing adherence to legal standards.
Guardians criticized the lack of statements from the students and absence of formal charges or bookings. They argued that the detention's psychological toll could harm exam results, especially as the KCSE, started on October 21, was set to end that very day. Some candidates risked missing their final papers due to the standoff.
The school's Board of Management chairman joined the protest, reporting failed negotiations with the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), who brushed aside their pleas. He admitted the issue had worsened, offered an apology, and committed to swift resolution. The incident underscores tensions around student welfare during high-stakes national testing.