Students at St. Mary’s Kibabii National School in Bungoma staged a night protest on Monday February 23, 2026, demanding that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) reverses the transfer of Chief Principal Nicodemus Ogeto to Riokindo Boys High School in Kisii County.

The students, who reportedly began demonstrating late in the evening, expressed dissatisfaction with the abrupt transfer of Ogeto, who has been credited with steering the institution to academic excellence and national prominence.

 Under his leadership, the school has consistently posted impressive results in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, cementing its status as one of the top-performing national schools in the Western region.

Ogeto has been replaced by Dr. Geoffrey Murunga, formerly of Goseta High School.

Students at Kibabii argued that the move was unfair and disruptive, particularly at a time when the school is preparing for key academic and co-curricular activities.

Police officers from Bungoma Police Station were deployed to the school to contain the situation after students attempted to leave the compound.

 Officers lobbed teargas to prevent them from spilling into the streets. However, some students reportedly managed to escape.

Speaking to TV47 Digital on Tuesday, parents who sought anonymity criticized the unrest, saying the school’s reputation as a national institution should set a standard of discipline and leadership.

“St. Mary’s Kibabii School is our current school that we are proud of, so if they behave this way, they tend to lower the respect,” one parent said.

The parents further expressed concern over the safety of the students, noting that it was risky for them to walk around town at night.

The relevant authorities have not issued a formal statement about the cause of the unrest.