20 schools stay closed due to raids Via #DN Learning in more than 20 primary schools in cattle rustling-prone Baringo South and North sub counties is yet to resume due to insecurity. In Baringo South, the situation has been aggravated by an attack at Arabal Primary School two weeks ago when armed raiders shot dead a security guard before mutilating his body. This has sparked fear in the area with residents fleeing their homes fearing more attacks. Other schools in Baringo South where learning has been affected are Kasiela, Chemorongion, Kapindasum, Ruggus, Mukutani, Chebinyiny and Ng’elecha primary schools. Residents who spoke to the media asked police to beef up security in the area for learning to resume. “We are resorting to moving our children to relatively calm schools but this will affect them. They are willing to go back to their schools on condition that they are provided with enough security,” said Mr John Wendot, a resident of Kasiela. The residents, who said they are living in deplorable conditions, have appealed for relief food and other basic supplies. The situation is not different in neighbouring Baringo North where residents have moved away from areas such as Chemoe, Ng’aratuko, Yatya, Chepkesin, Loruk and Kagir following a spate of attacks that have disrupted learning in the area. Affected schools include Chepkewel, Kalabata, Yatia, Sibilo, Kapturo, Chemindany, Tilingwo, Kagir, Ng’aratuko, Kosile, Rormoch, Chepkesin, Kamwetio, Chepkew, Barketiew and Moinonin. Some schools in the two sub counties will require rebuilding after bandits vandalised them and stole roofing sheets and solar panels. Residents claimed the armed bandits have now resorted to torching deserted houses and vandalising property. Contacted, Baringo County Commissioner Peter Okwanyo urged residents who had run away from their homes to return, saying security had been beefed up in the area. “All schools in the volatile areas will also be provided with enough security personnel and we call on our teachers and parents not to panic as the situation is under control,” Mr Okwanyo said on phone.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 08:11:34 +0000