A principal posted to Kabarnet Boys High School was denied entry into the school compound on Tuesday.

Mr Samson Komen had reported to take over from Mr Charles Malatit, but a group of councillors from the area tried to block the former Athinai High School principal from taking office.

The councillors said the school's board was not consulted in recruiting the new head.

Seguton Ward councillor Joshua Matetai said the appointment of the principal had not followed the correct procedure. He said other candidates who had been short-listed were locked out in unclear circumstances.

The school was among the more than 300 that were hit by student unrest last term.

A Sh20 million dormitory was set on fire by rowdy students and nine of them were arrested by police.

Parents said the acting administration had used text messages to inform them of the school's reopening next Tuesday.

A parent who spoke to the Nation on condition of anonymity said they had been asked to pay Sh10,000 each to foot the damage costs.

"This is a lot of money," she said. "We have not even raised third term fees."

Baringo district education officer Eliud Wanaswa said his office was working closely with the board on how to resolve the matter.

Meet on Wednesday

He said the district education board will meet today over the issue.

And in Kibwezi, parents withdrew 800 pupils from Muthingiini primary school in Mutito Andei Division on Tuesday, demanding an immediate transfer of the headteacher.

The parents accused the school head, Ms Elizabeth Muthui, of mismanaging the school and using abusive language against parents.