In the early hours of August 12, 2024, a devastating fire swept through Igoji Boarding Primary School in Meru County, destroying property valued in the millions. The exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, but investigations are underway as authorities work to determine what sparked the destructive inferno.

Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma, who visited the scene, suggested that the fire might be linked to ongoing disputes over land ownership between the school and other parties. He expressed grave concern over the extent of the damage, describing it as severe and unacceptable.

"We have assessed the situation, and the scale of the destruction here is simply unacceptable," Commissioner Ouma remarked. He emphasized that disputes, whether related to land or other matters, should be resolved through legal channels rather than resorting to vandalism and arson.

The fire has caused significant disruption to Igoji Boarding Primary School, which has been operational since 1970. With the third term approaching, the loss of dormitories will impact many students.

"We will not tolerate any form of vandalism," the Commissioner stated firmly. "Those responsible for funding or executing such criminal acts will face the full force of the law. There is a legal process for resolving land issues, provided there are proper land ownership documents."

Father Lawrence Micheni, the director of Igoji Boarding Primary School, welcomed the County Commissioner's visit and condemned the arson, calling it both inhumane and destructive. "We must act with humanity and foresight, honoring the legacy of those who donated this land to us," he urged.

Father Micheni also addressed the ongoing land ownership dispute, noting that the National Land Commission had previously visited the site and recommended subdividing the land to accommodate both the primary school and a technical institution. "The land is ample enough for multiple institutions, even if additional ones are proposed," he explained.