Three people killed as communities fight in Narok raising fear that KCPE could be interrupted

By CHARLES NGENO

NAROK, KENYA: Fears are rife that the commencement of Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations scheduled to start on Monday might be affected by ongoing skirmishes between two communities in Narok South.

So far three people have been killed and several houses burned in retaliatory attacks in Ngoringori area, in Olololulunga Division.

The skirmishes erupted after a woman, who was returning from the market, was attacked by individuals believed to have been from the other community.

In retaliation the other community attacked and killed three members and torched several houses before police arrived and quell the fight.

Police had to repulse armed youths who had tried to attack some people who had sought refuge at Munyasi police post. Teachers who were to supervise and invigilate examinations at schools affected have expressed their fears saying they might be attacked as they execute their duties.

“I’m supposed to be manning the exam in one of the stations but I have received threats on my life. I will not turn up for the exercise,” said a teacher whom the Standard met at Mulot Police Station.

Peter Nyakisira, a class five pupil from Ngoringori Primary School said his father was hacked to death by assailants who broke into their house at night. “We have been camping here at the police station without food. We appeal to the government to arrest those who attacked the woman so that we can go back to school,” he said.

Several people have been moving out of the area as they fear more attacks. Narok South OCPD Isaac Meme said three people who have been inciting the two communities to fight each other have been arrested and are being detained at Mulot Police Station.

Meme said elders from the two communities have been carrying out reconciliatory meetings with the aim of ensuring peace returns to the area.

Area Sub-County Commissioner Stephen Nyakundi said more personnel have been deployed to the area and assured locals that the exams will go on as planned. “We want to assure the pupils and teachers that the exam will go on. Everything has been put in place and we are coordinating with officers from the Ministry of education,” he said.