A legislator has called for a collective national effort to address the recurring cases of school fires and student unrest.
Speaking during an interview with the Star, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo said that the crisis is a societal problem that cannot be solved by the government alone.
He said parents, teachers, guardians, religious leaders and political leaders must work together to tackle the root causes of indiscipline in schools.
Odhiambo also warned against the growing tendency to blame government officials whenever such incidents occur, saying the problem reflects broader societal challenges and requires a multi-sectoral approach.
"Blaming the Education Cabinet Secretary, the Interior Cabinet Secretary or the government is not the solution. Everyone must come together to address this problem," he said.
The MP urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in guiding and mentoring their children, saying that schools alone cannot be expected to instill discipline and values in learners.
"I call on parents, the church and politicians to play their role in talking to our children. It is important that we invest in initiatives that mould the current children in school and those who will come after them."
Odhiambo said incidents of student unrest and attempted arson have affected some of the country's top-performing schools over the years, demonstrating that the challenge cuts across regions and educational institutions.
"In Siaya county, Ambira and Maranda schools have been closed because of students’ unrest," he said.
"We have seen similar incidents in Nyeri, Nairobi and now Nakuru county. That means this is a societal problem and not a problem for one school or one region."
His remarks come in the wake of renewed concerns over student unrest following a series of fire incidents in schools that have led to the destruction of property and disruption of learning.
Last week, 16 students died, and more than 70 were injured in a suspected arson at Utumishi Girls Senior School in Nakuru.
The legislator further challenged leaders and public figures to be mindful of their conduct and public statements, arguing that young people are often influenced by what they observe in society.
"It is also important for elders, including political leaders and even the Gen Z, to watch what they say and do in the public domain," he said.
"Whatever they do, whether it is incitement, protests or irresponsible conduct, is reflected in our children. Young people are always watching and learning from what they see."
Odhiambo said addressing the problem will require a deliberate effort to strengthen moral guidance and mentorship programmes both in schools and communities.
He particularly singled out churches and religious organisations, many of which sponsor schools across the country, saying they have a critical role to play in shaping the character of learners.
"Churches must play their role because many of these schools are sponsored by churches. Religious institutions have a responsibility to help nurture values and discipline among our children," he said.
The MP emphasised that the solution lies in collective responsibility rather than finger-pointing, calling on all stakeholders to work together to safeguard schools and ensure learners are equipped with the values needed to become responsible citizens.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo’s remarks shift the debate on school fires from government accountability to collective societal responsibility. His argument highlights the role of parents, religious institutions, teachers and leaders in shaping children’s values and behaviour. The comments come amid growing concern over student unrest following deadly school fire incidents. While his call for a multi-sectoral approach acknowledges the complexity of the problem, critics may argue that government institutions still bear primary responsibility for school safety, student welfare and enforcement of discipline policies.
Former Cabinet Minister Simeon Nyachae’s son, Michael Moragia Nyachae, was on Friday charged with stealing Sh1.2 million from Sansora Group Limited.
Nyachae is accused of theft of Sh1,226,036 on diverse dates between March 28, 2019 and September 28, 2021, in Kisii county.
The charge sheet shows the funds were the property of Sansora Group Limited.
Moragia appeared before principal magistrate Caroline Nyaguthii at the Milimani law courts in Nairobi following his arrest in Chepilat in Bomet county on Thursday from where he was driven to Nairobi and detained at Kileleshwa police station.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Through his lawyers, Moragia asked to be released on bond. The prosecution did not object to his bond request.
“In granting bail, we are asking for the court to exercise discretion and we can tell you without doubt that the person before you belongs to a distinguished family,” his lawyer said.
The magistrate granted the the bond but with several conditions.
"The court will exercise it's discretion in favour of the accused person who is presumed innocent at this juncture in granting a bond of Sh200,000 with a similar surety of the same amount," the magistrate ruled.
Alternatively, he was freed on a cash bail of Sh50,000 with two contact persons.
The court also ordered the defence be supplied with the charge sheet, witness statements and all other relevant documents.
Moragia's arraignment followed the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga to press theft charges against him
In his directive, the DPP said he had found there was sufficient evidence to make a case against Moragia following a complaint by the company.
The criminal case stems from a probe by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations that took three years.
The matter will return to court for a mention on September 29 for pre-trial directions.
