Nairobi — A fire has reduced a Sh1.2 million dormitory at a Baringo Central district school to a shell.

More than 100 students of Kapkawa Boys' High School slept in the cold following the inferno on Thursday night. Briefing the press, headteacher Paul Bushinei said the students were in class for the evening preps during the 7.30pm incident.

Some residents suspected arson after the headmaster sent home some students whose fees balances had accumulated to more than Sh20,000. "The students might have been angered by the directive and decided to set ablaze the dormitory so as not to lose out on studies," said a resident who did not want to be named.

Mr Bushinei, however, dismissed the allegation. "We haven't sent any student home this term. This is propaganda meant to tarnish the good name of the school," he said. Local residents.He challenged the residents to assist in rebuilding the school instead of spreading rumours. "The blame game won't help us. Let us unite in rebuilding the school and leave the police to do their work," said Mr Bushinei.

On the fire, Mr Bushinei said: "We heard a loud bang and suddenly the whole of Tergat dormitory was up in flames." He said their efforts to put out the fire were futile. The school head called on the government and well-wishers to help rebuild the dormitory which, he said, housed Form Four students. Nothing was saved from the building, he said.

The principal has sent the affected students home as plans for their temporary accommodation are made. Area deputy police chief Samuel Muthamia said that investigations had been launched into the incident. "It seems like a case of arson as one litre container of petrol was found near the burnt dormitory," said Mr Muthamia.

He added: "The arsonists might have been planning to set ablaze the neighbouring Uhuru dormitory as well but their plans thankfully, failed."