Tinotenda Hove – Tensions flared on Sunday after Chief Murinye reportedly blocked the road leading to Riverton Academy Extension using his truck, effectively forcing the school to send pupils home.

According to accounts from the school, the traditional leader claimed that Riverton Academy Extension was constructed without his approval, a move he said justified his actions. However, the school’s founder, Philimon Mutangiri, strongly rejected the allegation, insisting that the institution was lawfully established.

Mutangiri accused the chief of abusing his authority to exert pressure on the school. He alleged that despite personally financing electricity connections to the chief’s homestead in the past, he is now being coerced into signing an agreement that would grant the chief’s children free education at the school.

The incident has sparked concern among parents and community members, who fear that pupils’ learning is being disrupted by personal disputes and power struggles.

Many have called for authorities to intervene, warning that using traditional leadership influence to shut down an operating school sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the right of children to education.