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St George’s Girls closed due to unrest
Students of St. George's Girls Secondary School in Nairobi leave the school compound on September 8, 2025 in the company of their parents and guardians after the facility was closed indefinitely.
St George's Girls Secondary School in Nairobi County was closed indefinitely on Monday morning following unrest that left students spending the night in the cold.
Police and school administrators assured parents that they would fast-track investigations into the matter, which left at least two girls and a teacher injured after chaos broke out on Sunday night. One of the chief officers, who arrived at the scene and spent most of the night with the students outside, gave details of how the situation unfolded.
According to the officer, the trouble started during evening classes when the teacher on duty confronted a student who was outside while the rest were in class. “The teacher had just asked the student to return to class after experiencing the lunar eclipse. Out of curiosity, and as the one on duty, the teacher approached the student to ask why she was still outside,” the officer explained.
A confrontation quickly ensued between the teacher and the student. Form Two students who witnessed the incident became agitated.
While addressing parents, the officer said the teacher went on to make derogatory remarks that sparked outrage.
Students of St. George's Girls Secondary School in Nairobi leave the school compound on September 8, 2025 in the company of their parents and guardians after the facility was closed indefinitely.
The matter quickly escalated, drawing in the entire school and leading to clashes between students and teachers. Two students, including a Form Three girl, were injured during the chaos. Both the teacher and the students were rushed to hospital.
Out of fear, the students refused to return to class or the dormitories.
Kilimani police boss Patricia Yegon, who arrived with other security officials, declined to comment on possible action against the teacher or the fate of the injured students.
“We cannot confirm that now. As you can see, everything is in confusion. We ask for more time before we can sit down and communicate properly,” she said.
Students of St. George's Girls Secondary School in Nairobi leave the school compound on September 8, 2025 in the company of their parents and guardians after the facility was closed indefinitely.
Parents who rushed to the school accused the administration of mishandling the matter and demanded to be allowed to go home with their children.
They faulted Principal Grace Macharia for “hiding” and refusing to address them directly.
Instead, the principal communicated with parents via a microphone from her office.
“I’m saying this again, those who want to take their children home can do that, and those who want their children to continue learning can remain behind,” Ms Macharia said — remarks that were not well received.
Dagoretti North Deputy County Commissioner George Juma (centre) addresses parents at St. George's Girls Secondary School in Nairobi on September 8, 2025.
After almost 30 minutes of back and forth, Nairobi Deputy County Commissioner for Dagoretti North George Juma announced the school’s indefinite closure.
“We have made a decision as the security team and the school board to close the school. Further communication will follow,” Mr Juma said, giving parents 30 minutes to vacate the compound.
