Learning disrupted as gangs clash inside Likoni school

Learning at Tulia Moyo Primary in Likoni was yesterday disrupted after two rival criminal gangs fought inside the school compound.

Residents said the gangs, armed with machetes, clashed after differing over unknown reasons, causing pupils to scamper for safety.

Reports indicated that between 10 and 15 gang members were involved in the fight that left many of them wounded.

One of the teachers at the school, who sought anonymity for fear of reprisals, said they had to lock the pupils in classrooms as the violence unfolded outside.

A number of teachers fled.

“Things were really bad. We could not face the gangs. We could only lock our pupils in the classrooms,” said the teacher.

School’s head teacher Florida Mwando said no pupil was hurt in the commotion and that the school’s management planned to construct a perimeter wall around the compound.

Protecting gang

A road used by residents, boda boda riders and tuk tuks cuts across the school compound.

Businesses around the school were shut down as the gangs took over the area.

A businessman in the area said the gangs turned on the traders in an attempt to steal from their shops.

“These are thugs. How can young boys take hostage of the whole area, yet the community does nothing,” he posed.

Shonda-Mkunazini village elder Abel Mulama said he notified police as soon as he heard of the commotion.

He blamed the community for not giving information about the gangs, accusing them of protecting members.

Robbing traders

“The community is to blame, these are our children. They are known. Majority fear victimisation from the gangs,” said the village elder.

Yesterday evening Likoni police chief Benjamin Rotich said no arrest had been made, but investigations were underway.

A boda boda rider identified as Juma Imam, who was passing by the school during the incident, claimed the gangs started robbing anyone on sight after the clash.

“They were armed with machetes,” said Imam.

Imam reported the matter at Inuka police station under OB number 15/18/3/2019. He said the gang members were aged between 15 and 25 years and attacked anyone who declined to give them money.