Religious leaders in the Coast region have condemned the wave of school fires that has been witnessed in the country in the last one month.
Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) organising secretary Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa said burning of schools was unacceptable and regrettable and the government needs to take action.
Mr Khalifa blamed the students for the arson attacks which have damaged property worth millions of shillings.
The sheikh said students no longer take religion seriously, a move that has resulted in many of them engaging in actions that risk their lives and those of others.
“Religion has all the answers to our problems and when we depend on it, there will be no cases of misconduct amongst students,” he said.
Khalifa appealed to all Kenyans especially parents to reflect on the moral direction of the country, and join hands in bringing up a young generation that respects and understands the importance of the common good.
Speaking on Wednesday in Mombasa at Central Girls Primary school during the official launch of a water project funded by Safaricom Foundation, Mr Khalifa also encouraged the students to learn moral values and preach peace amongst themselves to avoid engaging in bad behaviours.
“We encourage students to learn moral values and respect others. We however urge education stakeholders to cooperate with religious leaders and students in finding solutions to indiscipline cases in schools,” he said.
Over 100 schools have been torched this term, with more than 100 students being arrested and charged in court with arson.