In a chaotic outburst, students at Litein Boys High School in Kericho County rioted on September 21, 2025, after being denied the chance to watch the Arsenal vs. Manchester City English Premier League match.
The unrest, which erupted on Sunday night, saw students torch dormitories, vandalise classrooms, and attempt to invade the neighbouring Litein Girls School, leaving a trail of destruction estimated at millions of shillings.
The school has been closed indefinitely as authorities investigate the incident. The riot began around 9:00 p.m. when students, expecting to watch the highly anticipated match as part of the school’s weekend entertainment schedule, were turned down by the administration.
Kenyans.co.ke reports that the administration’s refusal sparked murmurs of discontent, which quickly escalated into violence. Students overpowered security, switched off lights to create cover, and set fire to the administration block, science labs, and dormitories.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from the school, with one clip capturing a student wielding an axe, lamenting, “Hii ni ufala” (This is nonsense).
The unrest spilt beyond the school’s gates as a group of students attempted to storm Litein Girls School, forcing staff to flee and prompting community members to intervene.
Sources reported that police from Litein Police Station used tear gas to disperse the rioters, preventing further escalation. Governor Eric Mutai of Kericho has confirmed the arrest of 10 students, identified through CCTV footage, who are currently undergoing interrogation.
“This senseless destruction is a monumental disappointment,” Mutai told Citizen TV, emphasising the school’s century-long legacy as an academic giant. This marks the third major strike at Litein Boys in recent years, following incidents in 2023 and July 2025 over issues like undercooked rice.
The Standard noted that the recurring unrest points to deeper issues in school management, with students reportedly frustrated by Principal Richard Sang’s leadership.
A new video revealed students breaking into the bursar’s safe, allegedly stealing cash, and engaging in bizarre acts like riding school cows. The timing, just weeks before the KCSE exams, has raised concerns. Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot called for swift action to protect Form Four candidates’ preparations.