Kericho lawyer speaks out after Litein High school rampage, appeals for calm

A Lawyer from Kericho county has condemned the recent rampage at Litein High School, describing it as a disastrous, reckless and destructive act that has robbed innocent students, parents, and the wider community of peace and hard-earned resources.

Bernhard Kipkoech Ngetich said the incident has disrupted preparation for national examinations and destroyed infrastructure that took decades to build.

“Many candidates have lost precious time to prepare for their examinations while the community and Kenyans have lost critical infrastructure and a legacy built with brick, mortar and sweat over the years,” he said.

He called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the school’s Board of Management to carry out rigorous, transparent investigations.

“No innocent person should be punished and no criminal should escape the legal dragnet,” emphasized Ngetich.

The lawyer also urged students to seek better ways of addressing grievances instead of destroying school property.

“If any student feels disinterested with learning, do not raze down a school. March out through the gate and go face your parents or guardians. That is a misdemeanor compared to arson,” he said.

Ng'etich stressed that arson is not only a serious criminal offense but also an act that endangers lives and undermines the education of fellow learners.

He appealed to parents, teachers, and community leaders to intensify dialogue with students to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

He further urged alumni and well-wishers to stand with Litein High School during its rebuilding phase.

“We must restore our institutions and reaffirm our collective commitment to education,” he noted.

Despite the disruption, Ng'etich expressed optimism for the affected candidates.

“I wish all candidates Godspeed as they prepare to sit their national examinations,” he said.

He added that the country should rally behind them during this critical period. The rampage at Litein High School earlier this week left dormitories, classrooms, and other facilities badly damaged, sparking outrage across Kenya.

The police and education officials have since launched investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible.