Ten students from Alliance High School have been arrested in connection with a fire that broke out at the institution on Thursday morning, as authorities intensify investigations into the incident.
Board of Management Chairperson Sam Ncheeri confirmed the arrests, saying police have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine whether the students were involved.
The development comes just hours after the prestigious national school temporarily closed following the incident, which sparked concern among parents and education stakeholders.
According to school officials, the fire broke out at around 4:00 a.m. in a mattress storage section within one of the school's older dormitory facilities. Emergency responders and school administrators acted swiftly to contain the blaze before it could spread to other buildings.
In a communication sent to parents on Thursday, the school's principal assured families that all students were safe and that the situation had been brought under control without any injuries being reported.
“We wish to inform you that an incident involving a small section of mattresses in one of the older dormitory facilities occurred within the school. We are grateful to report that the situation was promptly contained and managed by the school administration and relevant teams,” the principal said.
The administration emphasized that learners were never in immediate danger and continued with their normal activities after the fire was extinguished.
“Most importantly, all students are safe, accounted for, and continuing with their normal morning activities and academic routines,” the communication added.
Following the incident, the Board of Management and school leadership convened a meeting with parents to provide updates on the fire, explain the measures taken to ensure student safety and address concerns raised by families.
After the meeting, parents were advised to pick up their children and take them home for the weekend to allow the school time to conduct internal assessments, review safety procedures and implement additional precautionary measures before learners return.
School officials described the temporary release of students as a preventive measure rather than an emergency closure, maintaining that there was no immediate threat to students or school operations.
The arrests come at a time when authorities are grappling with a worrying rise in fire incidents in schools across the country.
The incident follows the tragic dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls High School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left more than 70 others injured. Investigators have since arrested and charged several suspects in connection with the deadly blaze.
The Alliance High School incident has therefore heightened concerns over student unrest and suspected acts of arson in learning institutions, prompting calls for stronger safety measures and closer monitoring of student welfare.
Police have not disclosed the identities of the ten students arrested, citing ongoing investigations. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the damage and collecting evidence to determine the cause of the fire.