FAKE NEWS EXPOSED: St. Joseph's Girls Kitale Dismisses Gun Arrest Claims, Warns Against Dangerous Online Misinformation

 St. Joseph's Girls Senior School in Kitale has strongly dismissed viral reports alleging that a student was arrested on the school premises while in possession of a firearm and ammunition, describing the claims as entirely false, malicious, and intended to tarnish the institution's reputation.

In a public statement issued on Friday, Chief Principal Rosebella Munzala refuted the allegations published in a weekly publication and widely circulated on social media, insisting that no such incident had occurred at the school.

The false reports had claimed that police officers conducted a raid at the institution, arrested a student allegedly found with a gun and ammunition, and that all Form Three students had subsequently been suspended. The school administration categorically denied every aspect of the story.

Munzala assured parents, students, and members of the public that learning continues normally, with all academic programmes, examinations, and co-curricular activities proceeding without interruption in a safe and secure environment.

She challenged those circulating the allegations to provide credible and verifiable evidence to support their claims, maintaining that the publication was a complete fabrication designed to mislead the public and damage the school's standing.

The administration further disclosed that it is exploring legal avenues against those responsible for publishing and disseminating the false information.

Meanwhile, Trans Nzoia County Parents Association Chairman Morgan Juma condemned what he described as a growing wave of online misinformation targeting learning institutions across the country.

Juma warned that false and unverified reports have the potential to disrupt school operations, create unnecessary panic among parents, traumatize students, and undermine confidence in the education sector.

He urged the public to verify information before sharing it online and called on the Media Council of Kenya and relevant investigative agencies to crack down on individuals and platforms responsible for spreading fabricated stories.

According to Juma, the fake reports regarding St. Joseph's Girls Senior School demonstrate how malicious online propaganda can fuel confusion and unrest if left unchecked.

He further appealed for stricter enforcement of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, saying the law provides mechanisms for prosecuting individuals involved in digital fraud, hacking, cyber harassment, and the deliberate spread of false information.

"The law is critical in combating emerging digital crimes and deterring coordinated online attacks that threaten institutions, communities, and the country's education system," he said.

The school has appealed to parents and the public to rely only on official communication from the institution and relevant authorities regarding matters affecting students and school operations.