Operations at Gatoto Community Primary School in Mukuru kwa Reuben were on Monday Paralysed following an ownership rift between the school's management and government.

Learners in neatly pressed uniforms had reported back from the December holiday only to find doors locked.

The school owned and managed by a board of directors headed by Gideon Mutuku has long been at the heart of the community.

Mr Mutuku told reporters that he took over the management of the school 14 years ago when its founder Betty Nyagoha passed on.