By Mumo Judah, Kiambu, June 4, 2026
Alliance High School has been closed indefinitely following a fire that broke out at the institution in the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting authorities to launch investigations into what is suspected to be an arson incident.
The fire erupted at around 4:00 a.m. in a mattress store within one of the school’s dormitory sections, causing damage to property but fortunately resulting in no injuries or fatalities. School administrators confirmed that all students were safely evacuated and accounted for as emergency measures were activated.
In a statement issued to parents and guardians, the school administration led by Principal David Chomba announced the immediate suspension of learning activities and directed parents to collect their children as investigations continue.
Preliminary reports indicate that the blaze was contained before it could spread to other buildings within the institution, preventing what could have been a major disaster at one of the country’s leading national schools.
The incident has triggered a multi-agency investigation involving police officers, forensic experts, and fire investigators who have since cordoned off the affected area to establish the exact cause of the fire.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that six students are currently being held at Gigiri Police Station for questioning. Detectives are seeking to establish whether the students were directly involved in the incident or possessed prior knowledge of plans that may have led to the fire.
Authorities have not yet announced any charges, emphasizing that investigations remain ongoing and that all individuals involved will be accorded due process as detectives piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The closure of Alliance High School comes amid growing concern over a recent wave of fires and unrest reported in learning institutions across the country. In recent weeks, several secondary schools have experienced disturbances ranging from student strikes to suspected arson attacks, raising fresh questions about student welfare, discipline, and safety within boarding schools.
Education stakeholders have expressed concern over the trend, warning that repeated disruptions are affecting learning and placing both students and school property at risk.
Security officials are expected to conduct a comprehensive forensic assessment of the scene, including examination of possible ignition sources, witness accounts, and surveillance evidence where available.
Parents, alumni, and education leaders have meanwhile welcomed the swift response by the school administration and emergency teams, noting that the prompt containment of the fire helped avert a potentially catastrophic tragedy.
The Ministry of Education is expected to receive a detailed report on the incident as authorities work to determine whether criminal activity was involved and what measures may be required to prevent similar occurrences in schools across the country.
The school will remain closed until investigations are completed and authorities certify that conditions are safe for the resumption of learning.
