Barding Boys High School Closed as Three Students Arrested Over Alleged Arson Plot

Barding Boys High School in Alego Usonga Constituency, Siaya County, has been closed indefinitely after three students were arrested over an alleged plot to set the institution on fire.

The decision to shut down the school was reached following consultations between education officials, school administrators, and security agencies, who cited the need to safeguard students and staff while investigations continue.

The incident came to light after the school principal, Paul J. Ouma, alerted authorities about intelligence reports indicating that some students were allegedly concealing highly flammable fuel inside the school's dormitories.

A multi-agency team led by Siaya Deputy County Commissioner Robert Ng’etich and senior education officials conducted a surprise operation at the institution, focusing on Jupiter Block dormitory, which accommodates approximately 140 Form Three students.

During the operation, students were ordered out of the dormitory as security officers carried out a room-to-room search. Investigators reportedly recovered about half a litre of suspected petrol hidden inside a school box belonging to an 18-year-old student.

Authorities said the student subsequently implicated two other learners in what investigators believe was a coordinated plan to torch parts of the school.

“We acted swiftly after receiving credible information that some students were in possession of a flammable substance suspected to be petrol. The safety of learners and staff remains our top priority,” Principal Ouma said.

The three students were immediately taken into police custody as detectives launched further investigations into the alleged plot.

Investigators also revealed that teachers had earlier recovered a separate two-litre container of suspected petrol concealed inside an unused classroom within the school compound. The discovery heightened concerns that preparations for an arson attack may have been underway.

Deputy County Commissioner Ng’etich said the closure was necessary to allow investigators to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether additional students were involved.

“Our intervention prevented what could have been a serious incident. We are conducting thorough investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot and whether more individuals were involved,” he stated.

Education officials defended the temporary closure, arguing that it would help restore calm within the institution and prevent panic among learners.

The incident comes amid heightened concern over a rise in school unrest and dormitory fires across the country, particularly following the deadly Utumishi Girls Academy tragedy that claimed 16 lives.

Parents and students are now awaiting further communication from the Ministry of Education regarding the school's reopening and the outcome of the ongoing investigations.