Several Samoei Boys High School students spent the night in police custody after being arrested for allegedly causing unrest within the institution.

According to witnesses, the riots began on Wednesday night at around 8pm after a group of form four students attempted to burn down some of the school buildings.

Reports indicate that the protests were sparked by frustrations over alleged denial of access to leakage and tight scrutiny during the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations (KCSE).

Residents who live near the school said they heard screams as the students rioted within the school, threatening to set buildings ablaze and destroy property.

However, police officers who were on high alert quickly intervened and began dispersing the students using tear gas canisters. According to the locals, loud bangs of fired teargas rent the air.

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With no injuries reported during the confrontation, the officers from Nandi Police Station immediately restored calm before arresting several students linked to the unrest.

The incident comes as KCSE are underway across the country, with the examinations expected to conclude this Friday. Meanwhile, students and parents have been urged to remain calm even as investigations continue.

This comes just a week after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba warned of severe penalties for culprits found guilty of engaging in examination cheating.

Addressing journalists on November 13, Ogamba revealed that so far, 78 people, including non-students, had been arrested for reportedly engaging in exam malpractice.

He stated that teachers and other exam officials found aiding cheating during the ongoing KCSE risked facing dismissal and criminal charges.

"We have identified a few cases of individuals abusing social media to expose the contents of the examinations. Our security personnel have been swift and have arrested 78 people so far," Ogamba said.

"Through evidence-led operations, more culprits will be arrested and subjected to the full force of the law. There have also been several cases of impersonation," he added.