Another Fire Tragedy Hits Vihiga School After Boys Burnt Down Dormitory Demanding to Watch World Cup

More than 100 students of Hobunaka Boys High School in Vihiga County were left without accommodation after a devastating fire destroyed one of the school's dormitories on the night of Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

The incident resulted in the loss of property estimated to be worth millions of shillings, leaving many learners without their personal belongings. 

According to reports, the fire is suspected to have been deliberately started by a group of unruly students after they were reportedly denied permission to watch the World Cup match between Argentina and Egypt.

The blaze broke out at night and spread rapidly across the dormitory before it could be brought under control. 

Students, with assistance from residents living near the school, attempted to put out the flames using buckets of water and other available means. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful as the fire intensified, consuming the entire building.

Among the items destroyed in the inferno were mattresses, school uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, and other personal possessions belonging to the affected students. 

Witnesses at the scene said the fire spread quickly, leaving little opportunity to salvage property before the dormitory was completely engulfed.

The destruction displaced more than 100 students, forcing school authorities to seek alternative accommodation arrangements for those affected. 

County firefighters later arrived at the school and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other buildings within the institution. By the time the firefighters extinguished the flames, however, the dormitory had already suffered extensive damage.

Authorities are expected to conduct investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire and establish whether the allegations linking the incident to students are accurate. The findings will help determine any disciplinary or legal action that may be necessary.

The incident has once again raised concerns about student unrest in learning institutions and the need for schools to strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences. 

It also highlights the importance of improving emergency response systems and fire safety preparedness to reduce the impact of such disasters on students and school property.