News02 June 2026 - 09:04

MP Chikati calls for tougher parenting and discipline measures after deadly school arson attack

He expressed his condolences to the affected families and urged a thorough investigation to establish circumstances that led to the deaths.

by STAR REPORTER

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Tongaren MP and Ford Kenya Secretary-General John Chikati has called for urgent interventions to address rising cases of indiscipline among learners following a deadly arson attack at Utumishi Academy that reportedly claimed the lives of 16 students.

Chikati described the incident as a horrific tragedy that should serve as a wake-up call to parents, teachers, policymakers, and society at large on the growing crisis of youth indiscipline and moral decay.

Reports indicate that the students died after a dormitory was allegedly set ablaze by fellow students in what authorities are investigating as a targeted act of violence.

Speaking on the tragedy, Chikati expressed his condolences to the affected families and urged a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths.

“The loss of sixteen young lives under such painful circumstances is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and the entire school community as they come to terms with this devastating tragedy,” said Chikati.

The legislator argued that serious indiscipline often begins long before children enter school and is frequently linked to challenges within the home environment.

“Indiscipline does not start in school. In many cases, it begins at home through inadequate parental guidance, weak supervision, and failure to instil values and discipline from an early age. When such issues are left unaddressed, the consequences can be tragic and irreversible,” he said.

According to the MP, a combination of factors including poor parenting, negative peer influence, drug and substance abuse, emotional distress, and inadequate counselling services has contributed to an increase in erratic and sometimes violent behaviour among young people.

He noted that schools alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of raising disciplined and responsible citizens, calling for a collaborative approach involving families, religious institutions, communities, and government agencies.

“We must strengthen guidance and counselling programmes in our schools while also empowering parents to play a more active role in the upbringing of their children. Character formation begins at home and must be reinforced at every stage of a child's development,” Chikati said.

The Ford Kenya Secretary-General also expressed concern over what he termed the gradual erosion of traditional values, moral standards, and cultural norms that have historically guided young people.

He pointed to the growing influence of social media and digital platforms, saying some youths are increasingly being exposed to harmful content that promotes bullying, misinformation, insults, coercion, and other forms of destructive behaviour.

“Many young people are under immense pressure from online influences and peer groups. Some mistakenly believe that aggression, insults, and intimidation are signs of strength. True strength is demonstrated through respect, responsibility, discipline, and self-control,” he said.

Chikati urged stakeholders in the education sector to strengthen preventive measures, including mental health support systems and early intervention programmes, to identify and address behavioural challenges before they escalate into violence.

As investigations into the Utumishi Academy tragedy continue, leaders and education experts have renewed calls for enhanced safety measures, stronger mentorship programmes, and collective efforts to nurture responsible and morally upright learners.