
Learning was interrupted at Gatoto Primary School in Mukuru kwa Reuben, Nairobi, on Monday due to a protest by parents over allegations of land grabbing by local leaders.
The angry parents entered the school grounds, protesting what they believed was an attempt by certain individuals to secretly change the ownership of the land linked to the school.
Police were deployed to manage the escalating situation as the parents, some chanting “We are peaceful,” moved around the school. For safety reasons, students were sent home, and the police clashed with the parents, pushing them out of the school compound, where they continued their protest.
Parents voiced their frustration, accusing leaders of being behind the alleged land grabbing.
“We don’t want politics; we just want the school to function. The land belongs to the government,” one parent said.

The parents claimed the ongoing land dispute had caused delays in the disbursement of capitation funds, even as the new school term began on January 6.
They pledged to prevent the land from being taken, emphasizing that it is public property.
“Let us keep this land for our school so that the funds can come through. We won’t let a few people grab public land,” another parent appealed.
“We urge the government to ensure the safety of our children,” added another concerned parent.
The frustrated parents also expressed disappointment over the lack of response from the County Education offices, which had not addressed their concerns.
At the time of publishing, the Ministry of Education had yet to comment on the incident.