Students must understand that there are consequences when they set other human beings on fire.
When I visited Naivasha maximum prison I met the only suspect sentenced to death for the May 24, 1999 arson attack in Nyeri High School that claimed the lives of four prefects.
The student was 33 years old or thereabout when I met him. He was convicted by a juvenile court and later committed to life imprisonment after he turned 18.
The 2001 Kyanguli fire tragedy claimed the lives of 67 students. Two 16-year-olds were arrested and charged with murder. The judge handling the matter resigned in 2006 amid corruption-related allegations. A new judge declared the court matter a mistrial.
I took my time with the file, and it was clear that someone had done everything to make sure the two boys escaped justice. I tracked one down to an office in the CBD. He is somewhere out here.
The July 13, 1991, St Kizito High School massacre remains the most disturbing and heart-wrenching story I have covered.
The boys stormed the girls’ dormitory. Reason? They had refused to join them in a strike.
In the ensuing violence, 71 school girls were abused and 19 of them lost their lives, mostly due to suffocation after being tightly packed into a corner during the attack.
Some were arrested and as usual, parents worked the justice system and many escaped the hangman’s noose.
But in a dark twist of events, most of the accused “turned mad”, and others ended up as drunks.
I remember visiting a lady now in her fifties who was still overwhelmed by the events of that night- oh she cried.
I met most of the boys then now men. Drunkards. Wasted.
Let’s see how the tragic Utumishi Fire tragedy plays out but if the prosecution proves those arrested are involved, it will be the end of school and freedom.
I have been to Nyeri, St Kizito, Kyanguli, Endarasha, and Bombolulu Girls’ High School.
It’s a life-changing experience!
No amount of justice or compensation can bring back the lives lost.
By Dennis Onsarigo
