By Bonface Mulyungi

Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika has called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who were involved in the arson attack at Utumishi Girls are held responsible for their actions, which claimed the lives of 16 learners.

“Those girls who killed their colleagues must also be held responsible. They should not see the light of day,” she declared.

In a statement on Wednesday, the governor condemned the arson attack, urging parents to take responsibility for their children. 

She claimed that their failure to condemn acts of destruction is a reflection of how the children would be raised.

“There is a serious issue of discipline. Kids are burning the dormitory, knowing that their colleagues are asleep. As parents, we must look at ourselves in the mirror. Are we looking at the parenting of our children?” posed the governor. 

We have had protests before, which have ended up in burning shops and destroying property. We don’t condemn these acts; instead, we cheer them on. As a society, parents must take responsibility,” she added.

Preliminary investigations into the case led to the arrest and detention of 9 suspects who reportedly told detectives they were protesting changes to the examination calendar, the school’s decision to charge them for a cultural event, and alleged peer influence after a neighbouring boys’ school went on strike.

Appearing before Naivasha Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramathan on Tuesday, the prosecution sought a 30-day extension to detain the suspects and conclude investigations. 

The governor called on school administrations to be responsive whenever they notice a problem through consistent monitoring of CCTV and the establishment of smoke detectors.

Further, she raised concerns about the relevance of boarding schools, calling for more investments in day schools.