Ten students from Alliance High School have been arrested following a suspected arson attack that destroyed a mattress store within the institution, prompting the temporary closure of the national school in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.
Police said the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, June 4, 2026, when a group of students allegedly broke into a mattress store located in one of the older dormitory blocks and set it ablaze at around 4 a.m.
The fire was swiftly contained by emergency responders, preventing it from spreading to classrooms and active dormitories.
School principal David Chomba confirmed that all students were safe and accounted for following the incident.
The school’s Board of Management Chairperson Sam Ncheeri said police had identified ten boys as the main suspects, adding that they were in custody assisting with investigations.
In response to the incident, the school administration convened an emergency meeting with parents’ representatives and ordered the immediate closure of the institution as a precautionary measure. Parents were instructed to pick up their children from the school.
Following the closure decision, the school announced a phased reopening plan, with learners expected to return in stages next week.
Form Fours are scheduled to report on Tuesday, followed by Form Ones on Wednesday, and Form Threes on Thursday.
The incident adds to growing concern over student unrest and arson cases in Kenyan boarding schools. It comes just days after a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, which left 16 students dead and led to the prosecution of nine suspects.
Other schools, including Lenana School and Loreto Girls High School Limuru, have also recently experienced disruptions linked to unrest over student grievances and school management issues.
