Chaos Erupts at Gatoto Primary: Parents Protest Alleged School Land Grab
Classes at Gatoto Primary School in Mukuru kwa Reuben, Nairobi, were disrupted on Monday after parents staged a protest over alleged land-grabbing claims involving local leaders.
The parents, who gathered within the school premises, accused certain individuals of attempting to illegally alter the ownership of the school’s land without transparency. They expressed outrage, chanting slogans such as “We are peaceful” while demanding accountability.
The situation prompted police intervention to restore order, as parents moved around the school compound voicing their concerns. Students were sent home due to the chaotic environment, which was deemed unsafe for learning. Law enforcement eventually escorted the parents outside the school gates, where the protest continued.
Parents openly criticized local leaders, accusing them of orchestrating the alleged land-grabbing scheme. “This school is government property, and we do not want political interference,” one parent declared.
They further revealed that the ongoing land ownership dispute had stalled the release of capitation funds, creating uncertainty for the new academic term, which began on January 6. “We must protect this land for the school to ensure funding is not delayed. Public property cannot be taken over by a few individuals,” another parent asserted.
Parents also called on the government to guarantee the safety of their children and expedite the resolution of the matter. “We need the government to step in and safeguard our pupils and their learning environment,” added a concerned parent.
The parents expressed frustration over what they perceived as neglect, highlighting that their grievances had not been addressed by the County Education offices.
At the time of reporting, the Ministry of Education had yet to issue a statement regarding the protest or the land ownership dispute.
