Land Dispute Escalates: Arson and Looting at Igoji Boarding and Day Secondary School

In the scenic town of Igoji, Meru County, a land dispute between the local Catholic Church and the Meru County Government has escalated into a series of destructive arson attacks on Igoji Boarding and Day Secondary School. The school, managed by the Catholic Church, has suffered significant losses, with property worth over Ksh20 million looted and destroyed in two separate incidents over the past two weeks.

The latest attack occurred on a Monday morning, just as eight suspects were being arraigned at the Nkubu Law Courts. These suspects were charged with burning staff quarters and classrooms, as well as stealing farm inputs, equipment, and other property valued at more than Ksh8 million. The attack followed an earlier incident in which the school’s administration block was set on fire after being vandalized and looted by arsonists.

Father Lawrence Micheni, the director of Igoji Primary School, expressed his deep concern and frustration over the incidents. He highlighted the school’s significant contributions to the community, including providing education to over 80 students from humble backgrounds, building houses for the poor, and connecting many households with water. Despite these efforts, the school has found itself at the center of a bitter land dispute.

“It is unfortunate that the attacks have been happening near Igoji Police Station. We have been giving the information to the police, but they did not act to prevent the two attacks and the destruction of property,” Fr. Micheni lamented.

The land dispute dates back to last year when Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza proposed relocating the primary school, which sits on a 33-acre plot, to make way for a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institution. The Diocese of Meru has occupied the land since 1969 when the Gikui community welcomed the church to establish a learning institution. The suggestion by Governor Mwangaza has sparked tensions between the church and the local community, with the governor arguing that the TVET institution would bring more development to the area.

Fr. Micheni emphasized that the church has no objection to the establishment of a TVET institution on the land, noting that the plot is large enough to accommodate both the secondary school and the new institution. However, he accused the governor of fueling animosity between the church and the community, leading to the recent attacks.

“I don’t know what I will tell the parents and the pupils since schools are about to reopen. The children love this school and treat it as their home. The church built this school without demanding anything from the community,” Fr. Micheni explained. He called on the community to coexist peacefully with the church and to view it as a partner rather than an adversary.

The recent attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of the school as the third term of the academic year approaches. Fr. Micheni has urged the government to intervene and resolve the land dispute, as well as to provide security and financial support for the school’s reconstruction. He also called on the Ministry of Education to step in and mediate between the church and the county government to prevent further violence and ensure the continuity of education for the students.

The destruction of property and the ongoing tension in Igoji highlight the broader issue of land disputes in Kenya, where conflicting interests between communities, religious institutions, and government entities often lead to violence and loss. As the situation in Igoji unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the need for dialogue, cooperation, and respect for both the law and the history of land ownership in the region.

With the reopening of schools just around the corner, the future of Igoji Boarding and Day Secondary School hangs in the balance. The community, government, and church must come together to find a peaceful resolution to the dispute and ensure that the school remains a safe and nurturing environment for its students.