Five students of Chulaimbo Secondary School in Kisumu West were on Monday charged with arson.

The five were accused of setting on fire two dormitories valued at Sh5million. They denied the charge and were released on a cash bail of Sh30,000 each with an alternative bond of Sh100,000 each.

Another group of 15 students from Nyakeyo Secondary School in Kisii were arrested on Monday for burning two residential houses near their school and are expected to also be charged with arson on Tuesday.

The students burned the houses on grounds that the owners had bewitched one of their colleagues, who died following a short illness.

SCHOOLS CLOSED AFTER UNREST

At least 15 schools have been closed indefinitely in the latest wave of unrest.

Galana Secondary School (Kilifi), Chewoyet Boys High School (West Pokot) and Barding Secondary School (Siaya)were shut down on Monday after students burned down their dormitories.

In Nyanza alone, about 10 schools including Kisumu girls, Maranda High, Ng’iya girls and Maliera have been shut down.

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Amina Mohammed has warned that those found guilty of arson will be prosecuted and denied university admission.

She also warned the students that the crimes will be reflected in the certificates of Good Conduct, which will hinder their qualification for job opportunities in the near future.