After supposedly declining to participate in a strike organized by the boys at the school, the girls' dormitory was invaded by male students and the chaos began.

[1] Initial reports included a statement from the deputy principal, Joyce Kithira, who said "The boys never meant any harm against the girls.

"[2][4] Kithira was dismissed from her position for her "failure to maintain discipline" at the school but was almost immediately reinstated.

[2] The view was echoed by Francis Machira Apollos, a local probation officer.

[2] The school was closed immediately after the massacre as international outrage erupted on the treatment of women in Kenya and other African nations.