Dagoretti High School in Nairobi has been closed indefinitely following a violent altercation that left 11 students injured.
The unrest occurred on the night of September 15, 2024, stemming from a basketball game dispute between two groups of students—Sudanese and Kenyan. The match escalated into a broader confrontation that took on religious overtones, fueling tensions and resulting in extensive damage to school property.
The initial fight, which began during the basketball game, quickly spiraled out of control. Students began attacking one another with stones and sticks, and the conflict raged throughout the night. Police were called in to quell the violence and restore order as the situation intensified. Several students sustained injuries, with 11 being rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, though all were reported to be in stable condition​
In a statement issued by Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, the unrest caused some damages to school.
“The incident at Dagoretti High School has caused considerable damage as the Boys went on rampage at night. Thankfully, even with the cases of injuries that are being attended to, there are no fatalities or burning. All necessary actions and procedures forward have been activated,” Kiarie said.
Local authorities, including the police and education officers, are now investigating the underlying causes of the conflict, particularly the role that religious divisions played in heightening the violence.
Community leaders have called for an urgent resolution to the issue, stressing the need for reconciliation and a return to peace within the school.
The indefinite closure of Dagoretti High School underscores the severity of the unrest, and authorities are expected to release further updates once investigations are complete.
