Ksh20M School Property Damaged Amidst Church and Government Land Clash
Igoji Boarding and Day Secondary School, run by the Catholic Church, has become the focal point of a contentious land dispute with the Meru County Government.
The tension has escalated, culminating in a series of arson attacks. In the latest incident, property worth over Ksh20 million was destroyed and looted, marking the second attack in just two weeks.
The school’s administration block was initially set on fire after being vandalized and looted, followed by a Monday morning attack even as eight suspects were being arraigned at Nkubu Law Courts.
Legal Proceedings and Damages
The eight suspects facing trial were charged with setting fire to staff quarters and classrooms, stealing farm inputs, equipment, and other property, all totaling more than Ksh8 million in losses.
Father Lawrence Micheni, director of Igoji Primary School, expressed deep concern over the extent of the destruction and the lack of preventive action by local authorities, noting that the attacks occurred near the Igoji Police Station.
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Despite the ongoing conflict, Father Micheni emphasized that the church does not oppose the establishment of a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) institution on the land, which is spacious enough to accommodate multiple learning facilities.
He pointed out that the church has long supported the local community, sponsoring over 80 students from humble backgrounds, building houses for the poor, and providing water connections to many households.
Appeal for Peace and Security
Father Micheni urged the community to maintain peaceful coexistence with the church, emphasizing that the church should be seen as a partner rather than an adversary.
He accused the governor of fostering animosity between the church and the community by promoting the TVET institution as a means of bringing more development to the area.
He called on the government to ensure security and provide financial support for the school’s reconstruction.
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The land in question has been under the Diocese of Meru’s occupation since 1969, when the Gikui community welcomed the church to establish a learning institution.
Last year, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza proposed relocating the primary school, which sits on a 33-acre plot, to make way for a technical training college, further fueling the dispute.
Ksh20M School Property Damaged Amidst Church and Government Land Clash
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