Farouk Kibet Calls for Closure of Canteens in High Schools

Farouk Kibet, the personal assistant to President William Ruto, has called for the closure of all school canteens, linking them to the recent wave of arson attacks in educational institutions across the country.

Speaking on the matter, Kibet argued that canteens are being used to supply students with dangerous items, including matches and lighters, which are then used to start fires. He also raised concerns about discipline among learners and called on parents to take responsibility.

“I am saying that canteens located within school compounds should be removed because they are the ones selling matches to children to burn schools.” He added, “Even girls have started becoming the ones burning other girls. I pray that Satan is defeated regarding our children. If children are not disciplined, it is us who have ruined them.”

His statement comes in the wake of the tragic May 28 incident at Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Gilgil, where a night dormitory fire claimed the lives of 16 students. The victims were burnt beyond recognition, prompting the government to order DNA collection and profiling of their biological parents. Authorities have since successfully matched the DNA results of all 16 students.