Students Set Dormitory on Fire After Being Denied Permission to Watch Euro Match

A group of students from Mbale High School, an all-boys secondary school located in Vihiga County, Western Kenya, staged a violent protest after they were denied the opportunity to watch a Euro football match. The students, enraged by the decision, set fire to one of the dormitories and blocked the busy Mbale–Chavakali road that passes in front of the school.

According to reports from Education News, the protest escalated quickly. Students dragged their lockers and belongings into the road, paralyzing traffic and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes. Security officers were deployed to contain the situation, but the unrest lasted until the early hours of Monday.

Nine students were arrested in connection with the arson and have since been arraigned in court. The school administration has stated that the suspects will not be allowed back into the school until their legal cases are concluded.

This is not the first time Kenyan students have resorted to violence over restrictions on football viewership. In 2016, students at Itierio Boys Secondary School in Kisii set their dormitory ablaze after being stopped from watching a Euro 2016 match between Croatia and Portugal.

Incidents of student unrest in Kenya are often linked to academic pressure, strict school regulations, and lack of proper mental health support. According to a study by the National Crime Research Centre (NCRC), many students engage in such acts due to stress, anxiety, and the absence of effective communication channels with school management.

In response to the latest incident, Mbale High School has announced enhanced security measures and plans to introduce counseling programs to address students’ mental health needs and reduce the likelihood of future unrest.

Parents and educators are being urged to collaborate more closely to monitor student behavior and provide support to help learners cope with academic and social pressures.