An eight-year-old boy has been placed under care and protection after allegedly setting fire to a dormitory at a boarding school in Bomet County, police have said.
The incident occurred on January 14 at Kriddol Academy in Kapletundo area, Sotik Sub-County. Police and local administrators said the dormitory, which housed about 40 pupils, was completely burnt down, leaving several learners without personal belongings.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the school and all 375 pupils who had reported for the term were safely accounted for. No injuries were reported.
Police said investigations established that the fire was deliberately started by the Grade Four pupil, who later admitted to committing the act in protest against his parents’ decision to transfer him from his former school.
“He told officers he was unhappy about studying at the new school,” police said.
Given his age, the minor was not arrested but was instead taken into care and protection as investigations continue. Police added that the child has been placed under special care and that his parents have been engaged on the appropriate way forward.
Authorities said further inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
