[kimmyboy]

About 300 parents of a primary school in Kitui District risk prosecution for barring their children from attending school.

The parents camped outside Ithiani Primary School in Changwithya West location, Kitui Central, and prevented their children from attending classes over claims that there were ghosts in the school.

They vowed not to let a child set a foot in the school compound until the government compelled a local trader they accuse of keeping ghosts, to exorcise the evil spirits.

The parents, who were backed by other villagers, claimed that the ghosts were killing them and their children and that they would not let any "evil characters" live in their midst.

The school remained deserted with only teachers wandering in the compound.

One of the parents said: "Utooni village must be cleansed and the businessman be made to pay the price. We will do what we deem fit, including forcing our children to stay at home."

Acting District Commissioner Francis Lenyangume condemned the parents' action, terming it "outdated and primitive" while the acting District Education Officer, Mr Kilonzo Musilu, accused the parents of being ignorant of the law.

Last week, the parents clashed with the police after they threatened to set ablaze the "ghost" trader's shop. Some of them were arrested and fined Sh1,000 each or serve one month in jail for taking part in an unlawful procession.


I never cease to be amazed at waht happens in Kenya at times