Parents at Kamuoni Boys High School protested on Saturday, demanding the principal's transfer and rejecting a Ksh20,000 restoration fee. The fee aims to cover damage from a May 12 student riot estimated at Ksh23 million.
Parents gathered outside the school gates in Makueni County, chanting slogans and insisting their children would not return until concerns were addressed. They questioned the transparency of the levy, noting that collections from all students would fall short of the quoted damage figure.
The school closed indefinitely after the eight-night riot that torched a dormitory, burnt furniture, shattered windows, and damaged the kitchen and other structures. Parents listed additional grievances including poor living conditions, extra charges, declining academic performance, and worsening discipline.
Makueni County leaders called for dialogue, noting more than five strikes in the county since the second term began. A board member stated, "Let's think together, let's come together and see how we can move forward without these stoppages. We cannot continue with this vicious cycle."
Parents are pushing for new leadership to restore calm and rebuild trust.
