Learning grounded as new wave of violent attacks rocks Baringo
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap urged the government to intervene immediately to protect the public and sustain learning.
Baringo County is grappling with a new wave of insecurity that has brought learning to a standstill, with Kosile, Ngaratuko, Kibenos, Kagir, and Yatya primary schools closing after a series of attacks that have left at least two dead.
Among the victims is the head teacher of Kagir Primary School.
Nosurko Deputy Headteacher Nehemiah Olepara recounted the intense moment when he realised the barrage of gunfire was approaching him.
Determined to escape, he ran for the forest, suffering gunshot wounds to his hand that caused him to fall, but he eventually made it.
“Wakati nilijaribu kutoroka nilikuwa nimeona risasi imezidi sana na hawa watu walikuwa [wanatukaribia]. Niliamua kuamka ili niingie msitu [lakini] risasi ikanipata mkononi nikaanguka. Nilipoingia msitu ndio nikajua niko sawa," he said in Kiswahili in an interview on Citizen TV.
This loosely translates to, "I tried to escape when I noticed that the gunfire was increasing and that these people were running in my direction. I decided to get up and escape into the forest but a bullet hit my hand, causing me to fall. It was after escaping into the forest that I felt safe."
Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap urged the government to intervene immediately.
"The situation is getting out of hand so the government must take decisive action to stop these attacks. Our children's education is at stake, and the lives of innocent citizens are in jeopardy," he said.
The banditry crisis has taken a grim toll, with eight lives lost in Baringo North and Baringo South this year alone. A National Police Reservist was targeted in an attack in Nasokuro, Baringo South, an incident which left two other people injured.
In January, bandits shot and killed Elijah Simotwo, the deputy headteacher of Tuluk Primary School.
The attackers, suspected to be from the neighbouring Tiaty constituency, targeted the family on a motorcycle, leaving others seriously wounded.
Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu said an investigation was opened but acknowledged challenges in establishing the circumstances surrounding the killing.
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