By ROBERT KIPLAGAT
Baringo, Kenya: A primary school in the rustling-prone Baringo North District is counting losses worth more than Sh4 million after suspected bandits razed the school.
Bandits who had invaded the village set the administration block, library, offices and some classes ablaze at Kamwetio Primary School over the weekend.
The school, which initially had over 100 pupils, had been deserted after the residents fled following rampant insecurity that had led to loss of lives and livestock.
“Last Friday I received information that there was heavy smoke at the school and on Saturday, we toured that area and were shocked that half of the school had been razed,” said Daniel Chesum, the head teacher.
He said the raiders also burnt two water tanks and ten houses in the village adjacent to the school before fleeing. Mr Chesum said after the attack, pupils are now learning under trees and a church structure, adding that out of the 100 pupils they had, only 40 were remaining as the rest fled with their parents.
“We call on the Government and the Ministry of Education to intervene to ensure that quality of education in the area is restored,” he added.
Area OCPD Omondi Musewe confirmed the incident, and said the police were still investigating the matter.
“I got the information 12 hours later and even if one was to trace the suspects, it could be late but we are pursuing the matter. We also urge the locals to volunteer information that can lead to the arrest of the culprits,” added Musewe.
Since 2006, the school has lost four parents and one pupil who were shot dead by cattle rustlers.
Some of the parents who spoke to The Standard expressed concern over the future of education in the area, saying due to frequent livestock theft, most parents cannot raise school fees for their children leading to high rate of dropouts.
“Most people in this area are pastoralists and depend on livestock but now, all the goats have been stolen forcing many of them to poverty and they can no longer pay fees for their secondary school-going children,” said Peter Kandagor, a parent.
