26 students of Alijungur secondary school in Garissa county, have been arrested following a Wednesday night fire that razed down one dormitory.
In a Facebook post, Fafi Member of Parliament Abdikarim Osman Mohammed, noted that 23 of the arrested students had earlier on been suspended by the school administration over indiscipline cases, but defied orders to vacate the institution’s premises.
The other three are said to have been spotted running away from the scene of fire, a thing that renders them prime suspects.
“…. I am also informed that 23 students had been suspended by the administration earlier on Wednesday, but defied orders to leave the school. Following the incident, the 23 along with three others that were spotted at the scene of fire, have since been arrested for interrogation,” he said.
Reports indicate that no student was injured during the fire, as most of them were in the Mosque for prayers, and a few others were watching a soccer match at the school dining hall.
“The fire believed to be the handiwork of student arsonists had no fatalities nor injuries but has burnt down a few mattresses and belongings.
“At the time of the fire, most of the students were at the mosque while the rest were watching a soccer match, save for 3 students that were spotted running away from the scene by the school watchman and who are suspected to have started the fire,” Abdikarim said in a statement.