Liten Boys: Parents and school management on fine after destructive strike

The parents' counsel urged the court to allow students back to school upon payment of Ksh. 10,000 each, saying this would help ease the tension among parents and learners.

“If others are in school and others are not, are we not instigating another strike? Let’s listen to the pain of the boys and their parents,” said Omari, adding that most parents could not afford both the Ksh. 49,000 penalty and outstanding school fees.

However, the school principal told the court that the management had agreed that parents pay Ksh. 25,000 each to enable the school to buy computers, renovate dorms and also provide food for the students.

The school’s lawyer also defended the fine, saying the Ksh. 25,000 portion was necessary to cover the cost of food and replace damaged items, including computers and dormitory equipment. He clarified that the decision was made by the Board of Management, not the principal.

“The Ksh. 10,000 is below the minimal amount that can allow the students to be comfortable in school,” the school’s lawyer argued, noting that some students had already begun paying and were being admitted back.

In a bid to strike a middle ground, the court proposed that students pay Ksh. 10,000 each immediately, then an additional Ksh. 5,000 after one week, allowing them to sit for their exams as the case continues.

The parents' lawyers Danstan Omari and Shadrach Wambui, welcomed the proposal, saying it was a reasonable temporary solution while awaiting a court ruling on whether the Ksh. 49,000 fine was fair.

The principal also agreed to the arrangement, emphasizing that parents should commit to clearing the remaining balance later.

The school, through lawyer Danstan Omari moved to court and challenged the decision to fine the student Ksh.49,699 each for reconstruction efforts after a fire.